MCEs from the Krobo Bloc comprising Upper Manya Krobo, Lower Manya Krobo, Yilo Krobo and Asuogyaman have called on the Member of Parliament for New Juaben South, Michael Kofi Okyere Baafi, to retract and apologise over alleged ethnocentric remarks directed at Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Awatey.
Lower Manya Krobo Municipal Chief Executive John Matey, speaking on behalf of the group, described the comments as unfortunate and reckless, warning that such statements risk undermining unity in the region. He said the remarks undermine constitutional authority and the role of regional leadership.
“Citizens regardless of ethnicity and 2 regional ministers represent the state not tribes and in accordance with the 1992 constitution of Ghana, a regional minister is appointed to represent the head of the entire region to reduce Mrs Rita Akosua Awatey’s authority to her krobo identity is to undermine the presidency the eastern regional coordinating council and the rule of law.”
John Matey, MCE – Lower Manya Krobo
The Krobo MCEs further stated that reducing the Minister’s authority to ethnic identity is dangerous and could inflame tensions between communities that have long shared economic and cultural ties. They warned that silence from political leadership could be interpreted as endorsement of divisive rhetoric and urged the New Patriotic Party at regional and local levels to publicly disassociate itself from the remarks.
They also called for immediate retraction unqualified apology and reconciliation across affected communities in the Eastern Region. Leaders warned that continued silence could worsen mistrust between New Juaben and Krobo communities who share historical bonds of intermarriage and trade. The group also expressed concern over what they described as silence from the New Patriotic Party at both regional and Krobo Bloc levels warning that such silence could be misinterpreted as approval of the comments.
They urged the party leadership to disassociate itself and encourage its member to retract and apologise to avoid further tensions in the Eastern Region. According to the MCEs leadership must prioritise development collaboration and peaceful coexistence stressing that ethnic divisions have no place in regional governance and national unity efforts. They called on all stakeholders including traditional authorities and civil society groups to work together to sustain peace in the Eastern Region. This, they say, is essential for lasting stability across communities now.
Leaders Condemn Alleged Ethnocentric Comments Against Minister
Calls for calm have intensified in the Eastern Region following the controversy with community leaders urging restraint and responsible political communication to prevent escalation of tensions. Speaking further John Matey reiterated concerns over the potential long term impact of such rhetoric on intercommunal relations.
“Dangerous precedents and such rhetorics emboldens ethnic tension and threatens the traditional bonds between New Juaben and Krobo communities who share history economic ties and inter marriages. Leadership must build bridges not wars though we are disappointed at his comments, his recent outbursts doesn’t come as a surprise considering the fact that he has made similar comments in the past.”
John Matey, MCE – Lower Manya Krobo
He reiterated the need for political leaders to be mindful of their public statements, warning that language which stirs ethnic sentiment could undermine unity and development efforts in the region. He emphasised that leadership at all levels must prioritise cohesion and collective progress over partisan or divisive rhetoric, especially at a time when peace and cooperation remain critical to regional stability.
He also encouraged leaders to take active roles in mediating tensions and fostering dialogue among communities, particularly in areas where political disagreements risk escalating into social divisions. The Krobo Bloc reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence and development, urging all parties to set aside political differences and focus on the collective good of the Eastern Region and Ghana as a whole. They also warned that continued silence from key political actors could deepen mistrust between communities and potentially erode years of peaceful coexistence built on trade, intermarriage, and shared cultural values. In addition, they called for sustained dialogue involving youth groups, traditional authorities, and political stakeholders to ensure that peace is maintained before, during, and after political activities in the region, stressing that proactive engagement remains essential for long term stability and harmony.
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