Offinso Benkumhene Apologizes To Otumfuo, House Of Chiefs

The Benkumhene of Offinso Traditional Area in the Ashanti Region, Nana Osei Yentumi has rendered an unqualified apology to the overlord of the Ashanti Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and all traditional rulers in the country over his suggestion that, chiefs should be retired on attaining the age 70. Nana Yentumi explained to Peace Fm that, he made the proposal which was without malice or ill motive, during an interview to The Chronicle newspaper. He further noted that he did not mean to disrespect Chiefs and should therefore be pardoned unreservedly. The sub-chief pleaded with Ghanaians to join him ask for forgiveness from the Ashanti King and the Offinsohene because the consequences of the publication might cost him his stool and life. A remorseful Nana Yentumi, who was speaking from his sick bed at the Special ward of the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), said he was sorry for his irresponsible utterance. �I beg Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, the National House of Chiefs, the Offinso Traditional Council and Nananom at large for what I said,� he pleaded. According to him, his intentions had been misconstrued from translation from the local language, adding that he has been subjected to a barrage of bashing from the traditional rulers across the country, for what is seen as a coup d��tat against the Omanhene of the Offinso Traditional Area, Nana Wiafe Akenten III, who is above 70 years. This apology by the Benkumhene comes on the back of his suspension from the Offinso Traditional Council after the paper quoted the Benkumhene further as saying that the institution must be purged and do away with chiefs who were 70 years and above and that his colleague chiefs who had attained age 70 and above must be made to retire and be barred from being installed as chiefs. Again, the Benkumhene said some chiefs had lost their retentive memories and that the earlier steps were taken to inject new blood into the institution, the better for the nation. He was also reported to have backed his argument on the premise that most chiefs aged 70 and above, did not contribute meaningfully to development agenda for growth, particularly during discussions and debates at traditional council meetings and the like.