General News of Thursday, 17 August 2000

Source: Ghanaian Chronicle

Kwahu Chiefs Vow Not to Entertain Any Political Party

The Chiefs of Kwahu have made it clear that as far as the Constitution debars chiefs from politics, they would never allow any political party or group to use or coerce them for its political propaganda.

This firm stand was taken at the Traditional Council meeting held at Mpraeso recently.

The District Chief Executive (DCE) of Kwahu South District Assembly had informed the chiefs of the Vice President's intended visit to the area and had urged them to hold a durbar to welcome the Veep, who is also the presidential candidate of the NDC.

However, the chiefs drew the attention of the DCE, Mr. Opoku Preko, to the constitutional clause about chiefs in politics and stated that they would rather prefer to welcome Prof. John Atta Mills as the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana at the Palace of Mpraeso, and not at a durbar ground for them to be seen as attending a political rally or campaign.

The chiefs said some political activists misconduct themselves or make some derogatory remarks and pronoucements during such visits, which do not augur well for the country's democratic process.

"As custodians of the law, we would not like to be part of any unfortunate situation or confusion," they stated.

On the visit itself, the Vice President would inspect some projects in the area and commission the Kwahu South District Assembly Hall, which was constructed about four or more years ago.

Also to be commissioned are some completed electrification projects at Abene, Hweehwee, Suminakese and other towns and villages.