Running mate for the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, has called upon traditional leaders across Ghana to actively engage in the nation’s political discourse.
Emphasizing the significant role that chiefs play in shaping the country, NAPO highlighted the necessity for their voices to be heard on national issues.
During a recent meeting with the Nungua Traditional Council in Accra, Dr. Opoku Prempeh urged the electorate in the area to consider voting for the NPP and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the upcoming December elections.
The former Energy Minister stressed that traditional rulers, as agents of development, have the right to express their opinions on political matters.
“Chiefs played a vital role in the fight for the country’s independence and, as such, should not be barred from expressing their opinions on political issues,” NAPO stated.
He underscored the importance of involving traditional leaders in political discussions to ensure their valuable perspectives contribute to the nation’s progress.
NAPO emphasized that his campaign approach is unique, focusing on engaging with royal houses and seeking their guidance and prayers.
“My campaign is different, I visit every royal house to tell them one thing. I tell them to help us, pray for us, guide us, counsel us, and give the direction to us. So, the Ghana that we’re developing is a Ghana that will be developed in freedom,” he remarked.
Addressing the chiefs directly, NAPO implored them to recognize their intrinsic right to speak on political issues, regardless of party affiliations.
“I implore every traditional leader, the elders that this game called politics, have you realised that the politicians have turned round to tell you not to do politics? If we didn’t do politics, how did we come by independence? I’m not saying wear NPP colours or NDC colours,” he clarified.
He encouraged the chiefs to provide honest and constructive feedback to politicians, advocating for the development of their communities.
“I’m saying that whether it is NPP or NDC, it’s your right to tell us what is right. It is not our right to tell you not to be part of us, it is your right, to crave it. The people of Nungua should crave Nungua, it’s theirs. Everything God put on Nungua was for the development of Nungua,” he affirmed.