Okyenhene Cautions Politicians Over Indecent Campaign

The Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, who doubles as the President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, has appealed to politicians to conduct decent campaigns and avoid politics of insults in the run-up to the 2016 general election. 

The Okyenhene advised, “Political leaders should also talk to their supporters not to do anything that would rock the boat and push the citizenry back in their efforts to build an egalitarian society deeply rooted on a robust foundation of freedom and justice.”

The Okyenhene, who gave the admonition when addressing a gathering of chiefs and politicians at the end-of-year meeting of the Regional House of Chiefs in Koforidua, also reminded the traditional rulers to play cardinal roles to ensure that there is absolute peace in Ghana before, during and after the elections.

Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin called on the media to be guided by the greater national interest and not sectarian or commercial considerations, to avoid sensationalism or anything likely to fan the embers of conflict.

He said the stiffest challenge and threat posed to the chieftaincy institution in the region had been the rampant disputes, adding that these conflicts continue to impact negatively on the development and progress of the region. 

The traditional ruler said the problem is multifaceted and requires that stakeholders, particularly government and the security agencies, do more to address the issue.

Regional Minister’s Intervention

The Eastern Regional Minister, Antwi-Boasiako Sekyere, said it is unfortunate to note that the region is gradually and steadily becoming one of the major flash points for chieftaincy and land disputes.

The regional minister added that traditional authorities had been sited rightly or wrongly in cases of multiple land sales, illegal leasing of land for mining, lumbering and installation of rivalry chiefs in some of their communities.

He reminded the chiefs of their rights and responsibilities, adding that they should not engage themselves in wrongdoing.