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The Tepa Traditional Council has implored Ghanaians to exercise patience as the Council deals with some comments made by Okyeame Nana Kwame Poku during a visit of President John Dramani Mahama to the place.

The Council says it is investigating the situation and so, "craves the indulgence of the good people of Ghana."

Okyeame Nana Kwame Poku said during the President's visit to Tepa that "President Kufour had 2 terms. President Rawlings had 2 terms. He sees no reason why President Mahama must not have 2 terms. Therefore anybody who wishes to prevent President Mahama from having 2 terms must be punished by our ancestors."

Following the comments by the Linguist (Okyeame), there has been a massive public outcry.

A statement signed by the Registrar of the Tepa Traditional Council, Ernest Antwi indicated that though the linguist acts as the "mouthpiece of the Traditional Council, he is on his own as far as his choice of words and conduct is concerned."

Speaking in an interview with host of Peace FM's "kokrokoo" programme, Kwami Sefa Kayi, Omanhene of Tepa Traditional area, Nana Adusei Atwenewaa Ampem I disclosed that the linguist (Okyeame) will be summoned before the Council to answer queries and make clarifications.

He further stated that appropriate sanctions will be meted out to him (Okyeame Nana Kwame Poku) if found guilty.


Read full statement below:

Dear Sir,

RE: PRONOUNCEMENT BY OKYEAME NANA KWAME POKU WHILST POURING LIBATION ON THE OCCASION OF THE VISIT TO HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT J.D. MAHAMA TO TEPA


The Tepa Traditional Council is grateful especially to the Media and the general public in particular about the sentiments expressed about the comments made by one of the Linguists of Tepa Traditional Council.

After watching the video clip, the following is clear:

1. The Okyeame said as follows:

"President Kufour had 2 terms. President Rawlings had 2 terms. He sees no reason why President Mahama must not have 2 terms. Therefore anybody who wishes to prevent President Mahama from having 2 terms must be punished by our ancestors."

Please this is a loose translation of what he said,

2. At functions where the Omanhene is present as it was on this occasion the Okyeame plays 2 roles.

a. When the Omanhene speaks, the Okyeame re-echoes his message to the gathering. On such an occasion, the Okyeame may be at liberty to either embellish or suppress some portions of the Omanhene's message. At this stage, whatever the Okyeame says can be attributed to the Omanhene.

b. Pouring Libation as it was on this occasions, the Okyeame although acts as the mouthpiece of the Traditional Council, he is on his own as far as his choice of words and conduct is concerned.

3. The Traditional Council is of the view that a prima facie case has been established against the Okyeame in which case he must be given a hearing.

4. The Council therefore craves the indulgence of the good people of Ghana to exercise patience whilst the Traditional Council goes through the time honoured procedure for dealing with such situations.

Thank you very much.




ERNEST ANTWI
SIGNED REGISTRAR
TEPA TRADITIONAL COUNCIL
TEPA AHAFO ANO NORTH
ASHANTI