Fiifi Boafo, the spokesperson for Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has clarified that Dr Prempeh’s call for chiefs to express their views on political matters is not intended to infringe upon Ghana’s constitution.
Dr Opoku Prempeh, at a meeting with the Nungua Traditional Council, urged traditional leaders to have a say in the country’s political landscape, citing their critical role in shaping Ghana’s development.
Fiifi Boafo, speaking on Eyewitness News with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Citi FM, emphasised that Dr Prempeh’s call is aimed at ensuring collective development, not undermining the constitution.
He explained that Dr. Opoku Prempeh is seeking strong positions from traditional authorities on key issues, such as natural resource management, to prevent politicians from making decisions that only benefit themselves.
The spokesperson reiterated that Dr Opoku Prempeh popularly known as NAPO was not asking chiefs to take on political party colours but rather to contribute their perspectives as key stakeholders in Ghana’s development.
“He was very categorically about it. He said that he’s not asking any chief to put on the political party colour, rather what he is asking for is that if there’s a proposal, for instance, how we handle our resources, for example, mineral resources, how must we handle it?
“There must be a strong position from our traditional authorities in indicating the things that we think we should do as a country to help develop the country.”
“He’s of the view that for example, the constitution states that when resources are found in the land, the resources work with the state, whereas if it was a case of the chief giving out the land for someone to farm, and the chief has shares in there, but then when it happens in the case of natural resources, the opportunity given to the chief is limited. Is that the best way to go?”
“These are some of the things he wants us to look out for as a people going forward, and not just limit everything to the hands of the political class, who take the decision and seek implementation, but rather as key stakeholders their voices are heard and they must be involved in the development of our country.”