The NDC in the Ashanti Region has filed a petition against Barima Osei Hwedie II, the Chief of Ejura to the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs, and Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, accusing him of engaging in partisan behavior.
In a statement signed by Abubakar Sadique Osman, the Ashanti Regional Communications Director, the NDC outlined their concerns about the Barima Osei Hwedie II.
According to the NDC, the Chief is alleged to have openly campaigned for Alhaji Mahmoud Bawumia, the NPP’s presidential candidate.
The NDC argued that this act violates Article 276(1) of the 1992 Constitution. The article, according to the party, clearly prohibits chiefs from participating in active partisan politics.
“We, the undersigned concerned citizens of Ejura, write to respectfully petition against the recent conduct of Barima Osoi Hwedio II, Chief of Ejura. We believe his actions contravene the spirit and letter of Ghatia’s 1992 Constitution and threaten the neutrality and sanctity of the chieftaincy institution.
“It has been brought to our attention that Barima Osei Hwodie Il has engaged in political activities that undermine the constitutional ban on chiefs’ involvement in politics”.
NDC, Ashanti Region
The NDC further accused Barima Osei Hwedie II of promising to waive ground rent for Ejura residents who voted for Alhaji Bawumia.
This, they stated, politicizes his traditional authority and undermines his role as an impartial custodian of the land.
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The party also criticized the Chief for misrepresenting Akan Chiefs and the Asantehene. He allegedly claimed that all Akan Chiefs, including Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, had decided to support Alhaji Bawumia.
The NDC argued that this misrepresents the views of respected traditional leaders and drags the entire Akan chieftaincy into partisan politics.
The statement claims that the Chief has allegedly threatened to take punitive actions, including eviction, against residents who do not support the NPP candidate. “Such actions violate constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and association under Articles 21 and 35”.
NDC Calls for Investigation into Ejura Chief’s Partisan Conduct
Furthermore, the NDC pointed out that there is a conflict of interest. By associating his position as Protocol Officer in Alhaji Bawumia’s office with the election outcome, Barima Osei Hwedie II has compromised the integrity of his role as Chief of Ejura.
The party stated that these actions violate the principles set out in the 1992 Constitution and undermine the neutrality and unifying role of traditional leaders in Ghana.
The NDC pointed out that Chiefs are meant to remain apolitical, serving as symbols of unity, justice, and cultural preservation.
“We respectfully request that the Regional House of Chiefs investigate the conduct of Barima Osei Hwedic II and take disciplinary action in accordance with the relevant statutes and regulations governing the chieftaincy institution
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“We appeal to His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to publicly clarify the statements falsely attributed to him and reaffirm his neutrality as the Asantehene”.
NDC, Ashanti Region
The party accordingly urged the Regional House of Chiefs and Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to remind all chiefs of their constitutional duty to remain impartial in political matters and uphold the integrity of the chieftaincy institution.
The NDC emphasized that if this matter is left unaddressed, it risks eroding public confidence in the chieftaincy institution and could lead to divisions within communities, undermining the unity and harmony that chiefs are meant to preserve.
The party called for immediate action to ensure that traditional leaders maintain their role as unbiased figures in society.
The NDC expressed confidence in the leadership of the Regional House of Chiefs and its dedication to upholding both Ghana’s democratic principles and traditional values.
They expressed trust that the House will address this matter swiftly and effectively, ensuring that the integrity of the chieftaincy institution is preserved.
The party emphasized the importance of taking prompt action to maintain the neutrality and unity that traditional leaders are meant to uphold. “We thank you for your attention and look forward to your swift and decisive action”.
