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Attempts by the National House of Chiefs and the National Democratic Congress to whip up sentiments and direct voters to vote “No” in the upcoming referendum has been challenged by the Ashanti regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party.

Mr. Bernard Antwi-Boaisako has opined that a “No” vote would continue to promote the winner takes all political cycle in Ghana and stall developments at the local level for which reason; he explained and encouraged voters to vote “Yes” on December 17, 2019.

Last Thursday, the President of the National House of Chiefs signed and issued a statement to kick against proposals to allow political parties to participate in the district-level elections.  

According to the statement, the House of Chiefs is concerned about the adverse effects of partisan politics on local level development if this referendum goes through.

“We strongly object to the proposal that membership of local assemblies should exclusively comprise representatives of political parties, as in the case of Parliament”, a portion of their statement read.

But Mr. Antwi-Boasiako popularly known as Chairman Wontumi explained that inasmuch as he respects the Togbe Afede for freely expressing his view, he would plead with the Local Government minister and all stakeholders to visit the chief and give him a detailed education on the exercise.

“The statement by Togbe Afede should be considered as one from an individual and must be respected but I would call on the Local Government minister to ensure that the referendum education gets to the revered chief. I firmly believe Togbe doesn’t understand the concept of the referendum and the reason it would be better for the masses to vote yes”, Chairman Wontumi told Peacefmonline.com.