Regional News of Sunday, 10 October 2004

Source: GNA

Chiefs cautioned against involvement in active politics

Ekumfi Essuehyia (C/R), Oct 10, GNA - The Mfantseman East constituency of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed concern about the nefarious activities of some chiefs in Ekumfi Traditional Area against the party.

A statement, signed by Mt Kuntu Takyi, the constituency chairman and issued at Ekumfi Essuehyia at the weekend said it had come to its notice that a traditional ruler had summoned some chiefs and elders from some communities and reprimanded them from for receiving delegations of the campaign team of the NDC parliamentary candidate in their communities.

The statement said reports from Ekumpoano and Ebiram indicated that the chiefs and the elders were actually humiliated by that traditional ruler.

It reminded that traditional ruler and those of his calibre that Ghana, by the 1992 Constitution, had opted for a multi-party democracy and therefore any attempt to stifle the opposition parties meant encouraging a one-party state, which the Constitution was against.

The statement cautioned those involved in the nefarious activity to stop it immediately since it could breach the peace of the area.

If any chief wanted to subvert the clause in the Constitution, which debarred them from doing active politics and wanted to indulge in it, he should come openly and meet the NDC campaign team on the platform, the statement said.

The statement urged NDC supporters to remain resolute against any machinations to discourage them from going about with their campaign activities.

It assured people of the area that the party would retain the seat, come December seven.