
Kwasi Akuffo III and NAPO in a prolong handshake
In a controversial stance that’s got everyone talking, Dr. Yaw Matthew Opoku-Prempeh, the running mate to Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia for the 2024 presidential election, has slammed the exclusion of traditional leaders from party politics. Known for his no-nonsense views, “Napo” voiced his disapproval during a visit to the embattled Chief of Okuapem, Okuapemhene Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III at his home.
Napo argued that chiefs have always been key players in political movements and governance, and shutting them out now just doesn’t make sense. “Some of the political vehicles were the creation of chiefs, and proscribing them is untenable,” he said, emphasizing how chiefs have always been involved in shaping the nation’s politics.
Taking a trip down memory lane, Napo pointed out how chiefs have been at the forefront of pivotal moments in Ghana’s history. “The Bond of 1844 was at the time signed by chiefs, the 28 February rise was the handiwork of chiefs,” he reminded everyone. He’s challenging the long-standing policy that keeps chiefs out of politics to supposedly maintain their impartiality.
Dr. Opoku-Prempeh didn’t hold back, saying, “We have in the process of governance, introduced something that sought to say Chiefs should not engage in politics. An assertion I strongly do not support because it’s not true that Chiefs should not be colored politically.” His stance is shaking up the usual narrative that chiefs should stay apolitical.
During his visit, he assured the Chief of Akuapem of his commitment to respecting the legacy and trust handed down by traditional authorities. “One of these political parties was established by chiefs and handed to us to hold in their trust. I am here to tell you that we are continuing the job you bequeathed to us, so I came to seek your blessing and permission before going out there to campaign,” he said, stressing the historical bond between chiefs and politics.
In a related twist, Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, Napo’s boss, has vowed to tweak the constitution to give chiefs more power in the judicial arena.
This bold move by Bawumia and NAPO has sparked a mix of reactions. Some say it’s about time chiefs got their due recognition in politics, while others worry it could mess with their neutrality and turn them into political pawns.
One such significant voice is Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the national chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). He argued that the exclusion of chiefs from partisan politics was meant to protect and preserve the sanctity of the chieftaincy institution and maintain their authority and respect. According to him, allowing chiefs into partisan politics would invite politicians to meddle in chieftaincy affairs, eroding the institution’s integrity.
“This exclusion is to ensure that the chieftaincy institution remains untarnished and respected. If we let politicians interfere, it will undermine everything that the institution stands for,” Nketiah stated, delivering a pointed rebuttal to Dr. Bawumia and his running mate. He made these remarks while addressing a gathering of NDC enthusiasts at the Jubilee Park in Tamale during the 2024 campaign launch of the NDC.