The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed surprise at the summons of Bafour Owiredu Agyarko Minta II, the Ankobeahene of the Begoro Stool, by the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council.

The Ankobeahene of the Begoro Stool, Bafour Owiredu Agyarko Minta II, has been summoned before the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council following allegations of endorsing the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, ahead of the country's upcoming elections.

This comes after Otweresohene, Daasebre Ofosu Kwabi Ayebiahwe and Okyeame Owusu, filed a petition accusing Nana Owiredu Agyarko of engaging in partisan politics, which they believe tarnishes the reputation of the Begoro Stool.

According to the petitioners, the Ankobeahene brought disrepute to the Begoro Stool by involving himself in partisan politics during Mahama’s recent campaign tour of the Eastern Region, where he endorsed the former President.

The petitioners further claim that during Mahama's engagement with traditional leadership, the chief mentioned that Nananom had invoked the gods to counter the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government's "breaking the 8" mantra, and cautioned against alleged vote-rigging tactics by the current government.

In response, Mark-Oliver Kever, the Eastern Regional Chairman of the NDC, emphasized in an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Eyewitness News on Citi FM that chiefs have previously endorsed candidates and urged their people to vote for their preferred leaders.

He also questioned the motive behind the summons, suggesting it might aim to instill fear or try to reduce Mahama's growing popularity.

“Endorsements by chiefs, remarks by chiefs that suggest that one candidate is preferred over the other are not new. This is not a new phenomenon.”

“…So these are not new things; that is why it is surprising that somebody will seek to make a scapegoat out of this. We don’t know whether it is out of interest for his excellency John Dramani Mahama or out of fear that somebody is becoming popular, a particular candidate is becoming popular, chiefs are applauding him and yearning for his coming, and somebody may be shaking somewhere,” he stated.

Former President John Dramani Mahama embarked on a two-day 'Building Ghana' tour of the Eastern Region, starting on January 30, 2024.

Engaging his subjects, Balfour Owiredu Agyarko Minta II said, “We are looking for the day that we will use our hands to vote for JDM (John Dramani Mahama) for him to lead us. The 24-hour economy, he said, is coming to help all of us. Let us do well to open our eyes properly. Breaking the 8 will not happen, we have done the necessary tradition.”

Confirming the summons, Abuakwa Traditional State Secretary Dan Marfo Ofori Attah stated that the petitioners seek various remedies, including destoolment as Ankobeahene of Begoro, nullification of the respondent’s conduct, a public apology, and punitive customary sanctions if found guilty.

The hearing on this matter has been rescheduled to take place on February 19, 2024, following its initial date of February 12, 2024.