From Issah Alhassan, Kumasi A leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has charged chiefs and traditional rulers in the country to respect the Constitutional Provision which insulates them from engaging in partisan politics. The astute industrialist and business tycoon observed that there is a very good reason why the 1961 Chieftaincy Act […]
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From Issah Alhassan, Kumasi
A leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has charged chiefs and traditional rulers in the country to respect the Constitutional Provision which insulates them from engaging in partisan politics.
The astute industrialist and business tycoon observed that there is a very good reason why the 1961 Chieftaincy Act barred chiefs and traditional authorities from meddling in partisan politics, and, therefore, called on chiefs in the country to abide by it.
Nana Appiah Menkah, who doubles as the Chairman of the Ashanti Regional Council of Elders, also wants chiefs to take a cue from the recent electioneering campaign, and how some traditional leaders virtually mounted political platforms to endorse their favourite candidates.
According to him, the situation was not only embarrassing, but was also a serious affront to the country’s constitutional democracy.
Nana Appiah Menkah said there was absolutely no point in allowing chiefs, who are the custodians of our traditional values and must live above partisan reproach, to venture into the realm of politics, stressing that it is a dangerous phenomenon, which must not be encouraged.
“What happened in the run up to this year’s elections was highly unfortunate; I hope our chiefs will learn lessons from it and stay out of politics,” the veteran politician warned.
Speaking at a press conference jointly organised by members of the Council of Elders of the NPP in the Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions, the NPP leading member commended the media and civil society organisations for their roles in ensuring free, fair and transparent elections.
He stressed the need for Ghana to continue to encourage freedom of speech and independence of the media, since it is the major bedrock to our democracy.
Recounting his ugly experience in the early 60s, and how he was subjected to torture under the Nkrumah regime, Nana Appiah Menkah said Ghanaians must jealously guard our democracy, so that it will continue to be the envy of the rest of the world.
“I remember those days when I was arrested and subjected to harsh treatment for a simple article I wrote recommending that the Headquarters of O.A.U be located in Addis Ababa. Those were times when you can hardly express your mind, but, today, we have a free media, and so I am encouraging all practitioners to remain neutral and objective,” he pleaded.
The post Appiah Menkah decries chief’s involvement in partisan politics appeared first on The Chronicle - Ghana News.
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