Asanteman Youth for Culture and Development and various Asante Youth Associations have called for the cessation of derogatory remarks and unprovoked insults directed at the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II by some chiefs and individuals from the Bono and Bono-East regions, as well as some media personalities.
Mr. Kwadwo Osei Hyiaman, an Executive Member of the group, at a joint press conference held last Friday to address what they described as disturbing and coordinated attacks on the Ashanti King, noted that calculated efforts are being made by certain individuals and groups to undermine the sanctity and authority of the Asantehene and the heritage of Asanteman.
Mr. Osei Hyiaman explained that some chiefs have been contesting the authority of the Asantehene to elevate chiefs to the status of paramountcy, thus exposing their ignorance of the constitutional provisions which emphasise that the elevation of the chiefs to paramountcies was by the Golden Stool.
He mentioned Ahafo, Amansie, Asante Akyem, Bono and Worawora among others, as provinces of Asanteman and that the deliberate attempts by some chiefs to incite Bonos are most unfortunate and must be condemned by well-meaning Ghanaians.
The spokesman noted that Regional boundaries are established by the government for administrative purposes but do not impose restrictions on traditional authorities, allegiances and customs, and that it is entirely inaccurate for any chief or a president of a Regional House of Chiefs to seek to oppose this constitutional provisions because they have no right to interfere in the customs and traditions of its members.
He, therefore, called on the chiefs to immediately cease all activities that seek to undermine the dignity and authority of Otumfuo, the Asantehene and Asanteman emphasising that as traditional rulers their conduct should reflect on the unity and respect that our chieftaincy institution demands.
Believing in peace and dialogue as tools that must be prioritised to defend the Asante heritage, the Asantehene and Asanteman, the group called on the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the National House of Chiefs, the security agencies and the National Peace Council to take immediate action against such agitators to avert chieftaincy disputes, particularly in the Bono region.
Mr. Hyiaman also noted that many of the attacks are politically motivated, as some politicians have made it their stock in trade and mission to insult Asantes and the King. He urged political parties to refrain from dragging their King and tradition into partisan politics. He also cautioned some media practitioners and panelists from making unguarded and inflammatory discussions during their programme.
The group cited Afia Pokuaa and Mona Gucci and their panelists, as having crossed all boundaries of respect and fanned the flames of division and dishonor and called Media General to render an unqualified apology to Otumfuo, the Asantehene and Asanteman.
Mr. Osei Hyiaman served a notice to all who harbour bad intentions of disrespecting and attacking Otumfuo, the Asantehene and Asanteman, that the group is fully aware of their plans and actions and henceforth, any attack or expression of disrespect towards Otumfuo, the Asantehene will be dealt with drastically.
On the issue of illegal mining (galamsey), Mr. Osei Hyiaman noted that Otumfuo has measures in place for fighting it in his own way and urged the government, politicians and security agencies to complement Otumfuo’s efforts at fighting the menace especially in the Central, Eastern and Western regions.
From Oswald Pius Freiku, Kumasi
