The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has vehemently denied claims made by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) that it plans to politicize the Manhyia Palace. The NDC’s Deputy General Secretary, Mustapha Gbande, had alleged that the NPP intends to use the selection of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, a royal from the Manhyia Palace, to drag the revered traditional institution into partisan politics.
Haruna Mohammed, the Deputy General Secretary of the NPP, described Gbande’s comments as unfortunate and misleading. He emphasized that Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s royal background is a fact, and it is not a crime for him to engage in politics.
Mohammed pointed out that the Asantehene, the king of the Ashanti kingdom, has always been a respected and neutral figure, and his palace is the most revered in the land. He added that the Asantehene has never engaged in political activities and is highly respected by his subjects.
The NPP deputy general secretary argued that it is unfair to assume that Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s political affiliation would compromise the neutrality of the Manhyia Palace. He emphasized that the palace is a symbol of tradition and culture, and it should not be dragged into partisan politics.
Mohammed further explained that Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s selection is based on his merit and qualifications, and not because of his royal background. He added that the NPP believes in the importance of traditional institutions and would never attempt to politicize them.
The NPP deputy general secretary challenged the NDC to provide evidence of their claims, stating that the NPP has always respected the neutrality of traditional institutions. He emphasized that the NPP believes in the separation of powers and would never attempt to compromise the integrity of the Manhyia Palace.
The NDC’s allegations have been met with widespread criticism, with many calling it a desperate attempt to discredit the NPP. The NPP has maintained that it will continue to respect the neutrality of traditional institutions and focus on its development agenda.
In conclusion, the NPP has rejected the NDC’s claims, and the matter has sparked a heated debate about the role of traditional institutions in politics. The NPP has maintained its commitment to respecting the neutrality of these institutions, while the NDC continues to make unsubstantiated claims.
The incident has highlighted the importance of respecting traditional institutions and their neutrality in politics. The NPP has demonstrated its commitment to upholding this principle, while the NDC’s allegations have been widely criticized as unfounded and misleading.
