Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, Chairman NDC
Johnson Asiedu Nketia, National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has launched a fierce attack on the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), accusing it of orchestrating chieftaincy disputes, fueling violence, and illegally destooling chiefs in various parts of Ghana. Speaking at a rally in Esereso-Tenpomom, located in the Atwima-Mponua Constituency, Asiedu Nketia claimed that the NPP’s interference in chieftaincy matters is part of a broader strategy to control key aspects of Ghanaian society through its so-called “Agyapadie” scheme.
Asiedu Nketia asserted that the NPP has been meddling in chieftaincy affairs, particularly when it comes to succession disputes following the death of chiefs. He alleged that the government uses its influence to manipulate these processes, ensuring that chiefs aligned with the party are installed to serve its interests. “Whenever a chief passes away and there is a contest for succession, the government sneaks in to create chaos, trying to ensure an NPP member becomes the chief,” he stated, adding that this interference was an integral part of the NPP’s “Agyapadie Document” aimed at consolidating power.
The NDC chairman further distanced his party from such practices, stressing that the NDC has never been involved in chieftaincy matters or attempted to impose leaders on traditional communities. “It is not the government’s responsibility to select leaders for communities,” he said, reinforcing the NDC’s stance on maintaining the sanctity of traditional authority.
He also aimed the government’s alleged overreach into religious affairs, questioning why the NPP would involve itself in the election of Islamic community Imams. Asiedu Nketia revealed that even while the Chief Imam remains alive, the NPP is already positioning one of its own to take over the position. “What is the interest of the government in the election of Islamic community Imams?” he asked, accusing the NPP of seeking to control the country’s Islamic religious leadership.
His fiery speech included a warning about the potential collapse of Ghana’s democracy if the NPP continues its interference in traditional and religious institutions. “If we don’t sit up and vote against this government, our democracy will collapse,” he said, urging Ghanaians to prioritize the protection of democracy over partisan politics. “It’s not about NDC or NPP now; it’s about protecting our democracy.”
In a final remark, Asiedu Nketia praised members of the NPP who are reportedly distancing themselves from President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia’s governance style, claiming they feel embarrassed by the current administration’s approach. He expressed optimism that these NPP members would help unseat the government to realign Ghana’s democratic direction.
This strong rhetoric is likely to amplify tensions between the two major political parties as the country heads toward the 2024 elections, with chieftaincy and traditional authority remaining a contentious issue at the heart of Ghana’s political landscape.
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