Asantehene: Chiefs should desist from declaring their support for political parties

Otumfuo Osei Tutu the second is asking chiefs to desist from openly declaring their support for political parties ahead of the November polls. The Asantehene warned of dire consequences for chiefs who continually meddle in partisan politics. He has been speaking at a special Akwasidae ceremony commemorating his 17 years on the Golden Stool. Otumfuo Osei Tutu says chiefs who meddle in partisan politics are faced with challenges in their administration of the people who belong to different political parties.

According to him, traditional rulers have a responsibility to protect the sanctity of chieftaincy institution by remaining neutral in their dealings with politicians. Then young Barima Kwaku Duah ascended the Golden Stool in 1999 to succeed the late Asantehene, Otumfuo Opoku Ware the second.

 Sunday’s event was attended by chiefs, government officials and representatives of various political parties. President John Mahama in his address commended Asanteman and the Asantehene for his leadership role.

 “Asanteman remains an important partner in Ghana’s transformation into a fully fledged middle income country. I will continue to work hard to sustain the peace and security and peaceful co-existence of our people and our institutions including the chieftaincy institution before during and after the elections”.

 President Mahama has pledged the support of government to protect and preserve chieftaincy. “We shall neither create nor countenance the creation of fertile grounds for the usurpation of powers of any chief or king”.

On security, the president assured the security agencies will continue to carry out their duties professionally to ensure the peace and security for all and also pledged to everything in his power to ensure a peaceful election to consolidate Ghana as the most stable democracy in Africa.