Group demands resignation of Togbe Afede over ‘no vote’ saga

A youth group is demanding the resignation of President of the National House of Chiefs Togbe Afede following the confusion in the house over the December 17 referendum.

United Volta Youth claims Togbe Afede XIV acted arbitrarily when he issued a statement campaigning for a no vote without the approval of the house.

“… Togbe Afede has acted arbitrarily. He has arrogated powers to himself which should not be the case. He sought to engage in some self-serving, parochial interests based upon reasons not consistent with the workings of the body

The leader of the National House of Chiefs has tainted his position with extreme partisan views, the very views he claims his outfit frowns upon, and this is inimical to the cohesion we expect to see in the traditional authority” a statement from the group said.

It further stated that “for going out of his way to issue such a statement without the knowledge of the other members, for sidestepping the rules of engagement of the body, for engaging in an act that shows him supporting beliefs of one political grouping, and for putting the name of the revered institution into disrepute, Togbe Afede has compromised his position as the President of the National House of Chiefs and must accordingly step down”.

Agbogbomefia of the Asogli state, Togbe Afede in a press release said the house is strongly against the referendum.

According to him, the decision by the house was upon the advice of its legal committee.

But Chairman of the legal committee of the house, Professor S.K.B. Asante has denied backing the ‘no vote’ campaign.

Two other Chiefs including the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin distanced themselves from the statement issued by their President saying they were not consulted.  

Ahead of the referendum, there have been various campaigns.

The Minority in Parliament for instance is calling for a ‘no vote’.

Citing the division among the Chiefs, General Secretary of the largest opposition party, NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketsiah, said the situation shows how partisan politics will destroy local governance.

The exercise seeks to amend Article 55 (3) of the constitution to either allow political party participation in local level elections.

Minister for Regional Re-Organisation and Development, Dan Kwaku Botwe has also called for a withdrawal of the referendum due to the attacks on the person of President Akufo Addo.