Regional News of Wednesday, 16 November 2016

Source: Samuel Ablordeppey

Chief of Staff calls on Otumfuo Osei Tutu II

Julius Debrah welcomed by Asantehene Julius Debrah welcomed by Asantehene

The Chief of Staff, Mr. Julius Debrah has paid a courtesy call on His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia palace in Kumasi as part of his five day tour of the Ashanti region.

The Chief of Staff, is in the region to campaign for the re election of President John Dramani Mahama for another four year term , as his first four year tenure ends in Dec 7.

Although the media was not allowed to cover the meeting between the revered Ashantihene and the humble Julius Debrah was shut to the media, pictures were allowed to be taken.

Sources at the palace said the Otumfuor "urged the NDC government to explain their achievements to Ghanaians and let them know the gains government had made over the years. It is important to let the people know the situation on the ground."

According to my impeccable source at the Manhyia Palace, the Otumfuor was in high spirits when he met with the Chief of Staff, and had this advice for the President Mahama led NDC.

"Tell the people what you have done in addition to what you intend doing. It's important to allay the fears of the public. Some are complaining of hardships, cost of petroleum prices etc, it's important you explain issues to the people's understanding," the Otumfuor said.

The meeting was at the behest of the Chief of Staff, who as tradition demands had to visit the King and notify him of his mission on his soil.

Both the King and his subjects were happy at meeting their August guest and his entourage at the palace.

The King and his elders gave the chief of staff a warm reception indicating that they would have a fruitful meeting.

The Presidential candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) President John Dramani Mahama was in the region last week and paid similar respect to His Royal Highness.

That has been the tradition of the Chief of Staff, every village, town, city or community he visited, he first of all confers with the Chiefs and opinion leaders before commencing with his campaign.

He has in addition to the Ashanti region toured the Upper West, Brong Ahafo, Volta and the Eastern regions all in a quest to ensure one touch victory for President Mahama who is number 3 on the ballot and the NDC.

The Chief of Staff and his entourage would visit Juaso, Konongo, Effiduase, Zongos among other areas and engagement.

The Chief of Staff was in the company of the Ashanti regional minister, his deputy among others.