Fiifi Boafo, spokesperson for Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO), the New Patriotic Party (NPP) running mate, has clarified that Dr. Prempeh’s request for chiefs to weigh in on political matters does not violate Ghana’s constitution.

Dr. Opoku Prempeh, during a meeting with the Nungua Traditional Council, encouraged traditional leaders to participate in political discussions, emphasizing their crucial role in Ghana’s development.

In an interview on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News with Umaru Sanda Amadu, Fiifi Boafo stressed that Dr. Prempeh’s request aims at fostering collective progress rather than challenging constitutional principles.

Mr Boafo explained that Dr. Opoku Prempeh seeks robust input from traditional authorities on critical issues like natural resource management to ensure that decisions benefit the broader society rather than just politicians.

The spokesperson reiterated that NAPO, is not urging chiefs to align with political parties but to offer their valuable perspectives as important 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.”