The spokesperson for Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Fiifi Boafo has clarified that Dr. Prempeh’s call for chiefs to express their views on political matters is not intended to infringe upon Ghana’s Constitution.
During a meeting with the Nungua Traditional Council, Dr. Opoku Prempeh emphasized the important role traditional leader play in shaping Ghana’s development and encouraged them to voice their opinions on the country’s political landscape.
Speaking on Citi FM, Fiifi Boafo highlighted that Dr. Prempeh’s intention is to ensure collective development rather than undermine the Constitution.
He stated that, Dr. Opoku Prempeh seeks strong positions from traditional authorities on key issues like natural resource management to prevent politicians from making self-serving decisions.
The spokesperson reiterated that, Dr. Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, is not asking chiefs to align with any political party. Instead, he wants them to contribute their perspectives as key stakeholders in Ghana’s development.
“He was very categorically about it. He said that he’s not asking any chief to put on the political party colour, rather what he is asking for is that if there’s a proposal, for instance, how we handle our resources, for example, mineral resources, how must we handle it?
“There must be a strong position from our traditional authorities in indicating the things that we think we should do as a country to help develop the country.”
“He’s of the view that for example, the constitution states that when resources are found in the land, the resources work with the state, whereas if it was a case of the chief giving out the land for someone to farm, and the chief has shares in there, but then when it happens in the case of natural resources, the opportunity given to the chief is limited. Is that the best way to go?”
“These are some of the things he wants us to look out for as a people going forward, and not just limit everything to the hands of the political class, who take the decision and seek implementation, but rather as key stakeholders their voices are heard and they must be involved in the development of our country,” he said.
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