The Ekumfi chiefs in Ghana’s Central Region have expressed grave concern over President Akufo-Addo’s recent comments suggesting developmental neglect due to political choices made by the residents. The Paramount Chief of the area, Odeefo Akyin VIII, led a press conference on Monday, January 29, 2024, to address these troubling remarks by the President.
The core of the Ekumfi chiefs’ argument rests on the principles of democracy, which include the right of the people to freely elect their representatives. Odeefo Akyin VIII articulated the community’s shock at President Akufo-Addo’s statement linking the lack of development in Ekumfi to their voting choices in the 2020 elections. He emphasized that such political segregation and denial of development were alarming and contradicted the President’s constitutional mandate to ensure nationwide development.
Recent visits by some chiefs and family members of the late President Mills to President Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House had sparked this controversy. During this visit, they raised concerns about the development of Ekumfi and the autopsy of Prof. Mills. President Akufo-Addo’s response, linking development neglect to the electoral decisions of the Ekumfi people, has now become a subject of significant debate and criticism.
According to a report by Graphic Online, the chiefs of Ekumfi assert that their democratic rights should not be infringed upon by any political motives. Odeefo Akyin VIII questioned the President’s decision to halt ongoing developmental projects in the constituency and called for data to justify the President’s preference for the former Member of Parliament, Ato Cudjoe.
He further highlighted the irony in the President’s stance, noting that Ato Cudjoe lost again in the NPP’s internal party primaries for the 2024 General Election. This situation, according to the chief, raises questions about why the people of Ekumfi should suffer due to political dynamics at the national level.
The press conference also delved into the controversy surrounding the autopsy report of late President Mills. The chiefs expressed their desire for the matter to be resolved respectfully and privately, without media controversies. Odeefo Akyin VIII stressed that the continued public disputes over the autopsy report were not only disgraceful but also disruptive to the peace and dignity of the late President Mills’ legacy.
The Ekumfi traditional area, according to the chief, is prepared to take strong action against anyone perpetuating such disgraceful acts. He emphasized the need for the late Professor Atta Mills to be allowed to rest in peace.
In conclusion, the situation in Ekumfi highlights significant challenges in balancing democratic rights and development in Ghana. The chiefs’ response to President Akufo-Addo’s comments is a call for respect for the electoral decisions of communities and for equitable development regardless of political affiliations. It also underscores the importance of preserving the dignity of national figures and resolving familial disputes with decorum and privacy. The Ekumfi chiefs’ stance reflects a broader demand for political accountability and fairness in national development across Ghana.
