National House of Chiefs chastise “self-seeking” politicians

The National House of Chiefs has chastised what it says are self-seeking politicians whose sole aim is to win elections at the expense of national development and cohesion.

In a statement issued by the national body representing Chiefs in the country and signed by both the President and Vice-President of the House, Togbe Afede XIV, and Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi VII,  it said, “Our political leaders appear to be more concerned about winning power, than the development needs and the happiness of our people”.

The House expressed concern about a seemingly growing tension in the country and wondered why in the face of challenges the country is faced with currently, some politicians chose to create fear, intimidation and threats of anarchy in the country.

“We are very concerned about the growing tension in our country, at a time when we are confronted with a lot of challenges – COVID19 pandemic, CSM epidemic, flooding, joblessness —that naturally require that we stick together and work towards finding the appropriate solutions”, it said.

The statement said in the face of these challenges, what Ghanaians needed was hope, not fear adding that “sadly our airwaves are filled with intimidation, and threats of anarchy, mayhem, war…. Our political leaders appear to be more concerned about winning power than the development needs and the happiness of our people”.

The House used the opportunity to advise all Ghanaians and politicians to subordinate their individual interests and political party loyalty to the national desire for peace and unity and development.

The House also used the opportunity to call on the Electoral Commission (EC) to ensure that no qualified Ghanaian is disenfranchised as it compiles a new voter register and ensure that the elections are free and fair.

“We humbly ask for sober reflection, an honest evaluation of our progress as a nation over the past 63 years, and a recommitment by all Ghanaians to the ideals that inspired our founding fathers”, the statement noted.

It added that at this time when “unimaginable atrocities are being visited on the black man in various parts of the world, we need to work together to strengthen the peace, and create harmonious living conditions at home so that xenophobic isolation abroad would not be preferred by our people”.