Chiefs’ involvement in partisan politics is a disgrace to the chieftaincy institution – Nana Barima Owusu I

The Kyidomhene of Gomoa Ajumako traditional area, who doubles as the Benkumhene of Gomoa Dabenyin Nana Barima Owusu I has expressed worry about how some chiefs openly partake in partisan politics in recent times.

According to him, this act disgraces the chieftaincy institution, which is also a recipe for chaos. 

In his words, ‘’chiefs are fathers of their subjects and are supposed to be neutral. Engaging in partisan politics through your utterances or activities shows you have already chosen a side, which will make it difficult for others to approach you. You will have some of your subjects belonging to the NDC and NPP, so how do you, as a father, declare your support for one side?’’

He further added that one of the key functions of chiefs is to adjudicate disputes, and during the adjudication, you must be seen as a neutral chief, not one who is politically biased.

‘’No matter how fair you are in adjudicating a matter, if you are politically biased you won’t be taken seriously. Some chiefs are very receptive towards some of the candidates and mean towards others, and this gives sleepless nights’’ he added.

Nana Barima Owusu I expressed these concerns during the celebration of the Eguantodo festival at Gomoa Dabenyin in the Gomoa East District of the Central region.

Nana Barima Owusu I further advised the youth to desist from acts of violence before, during, and after this year’s election.

‘’The youth must know they are the future leaders. The politician will give you a stipend to cause mayhem when he has relocated his family abroad, and after the election he will not mind you again after using you to do all the dirty work.’’

He concluded by advising the Ghanaian populace to guard the peace we are enjoying and not to jeopardise it during this year’s election.

The festival drew people from both far and near to thank God and the ancestors for their protection.