The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has commended Dan Abodakpi, a National Chairman aspirant for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the leading role he played in the introduction and implementation of many initiatives in the trade and social sectors that continue to drive the national economy.

The Asantehene particularly applauded Mr Abodakpi Dan for the numerous developmental projects he led in the Ashanti region such as the construction of infrastructure to promote expansion and growth of the traditional kente industry at Bonwire, and the initiation and development of the Inland Port Project at Boankra, among others while he was a Minister of Trade and Industry.

The commendation was made by the Bantamahene, Baffour Owusu Amankwatia IV, on behalf of the Asantehene when Mr Abodakpi, the frontrunner of the NDC chairmanship race, called at the Manhyia Palace on Monday during of his campaign tour of the region.

As part of his legacy, Mr. Abodakpi is credited for his pioneering role in the development and implementation of the Ghana Free Zones Concept, Export Development and Investment Fund (EDIF), the National Tourism Award Scheme, and the Accra Airport City Project, among others.

The aspirant has also been Ghana’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, and a four-term Member of Parliament for Keta.

The Asantehene also lauded Mr. Abodakpi’s commitment to national duty, and urged him to bring his humility and experience to bear on the NDC chairmanship position when given the mandate.

In addition, he condemned political fanatism, and urged the aspirant to promote quality youth development, jobs and national peace, when he assumes the chairmanship post.

For his part, the Bantamahene, who sat in state on Otumfuo’s stead also condemned vigilantism and urged Mr Abodakpi to work against it.

He said although chiefs are not legally permitted to engage in partisan politics but they are indispensable stakeholders in the maintenance of peace because they cannot rule without peace.

He wished Mr Abodakpi well in his endeavour, and prayed for peaceful and issue based political competition.

For his part, Mr. Abodakpi who was accompanied by the leadership of his campaign team consisting of a number of former Ministers like Hon. Joe Gidisu, Hon. Helen Adjoa Ntoso and other high profile personalities such as Dr. Linus Folly of Ketu South Constituency and his Campaign Manager, Rev. Dr. Kingsford Agyekum Asamoah, thanked the chiefs for the warm reception, and promised to continue to promote job creation and youth development.

Touching on his vision, he explained that he was in the Chairmanship race to “heal fully the NDC, unite its rank and file and most importantly rebuild the party to regain power in the 2020 election.”

“I am also on a mission to reconnect the party to its marginalised historical natural allies such as the mass of farmers, fishermen, students, progressive intellectuals, teachers, nurses and the middle class,” adding that when he becomes chairman and his party win power, he would ensure that the government is adequately connected to the aspirations of the masses.

He also gave assurance that the next NDC government would enable chiefs to actively play part in the development plans for communities, adding that the support of traditional leaders for national development need to be fully utilised.