The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has rejected claims by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) that it intends to politicize the Manhyia Palace.
Mustapha Gbande, Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, suggested that the NPP plans to use Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, a royal from the Manhyia Palace, to draw the traditional institution into partisan politics.
In an interview with Citi News, Haruna Mohammed, Deputy General Secretary of the NPP, described Gbande’s comments as unfortunate.
“Unfortunately, when people are identified by where they come from, there is no doubt that Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh is from a royal gate, and that is a fact.
The chief [Asantehene] highlighted this particular aspect of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s background.
“Where lies the drawing of the Asantehene or the [Manhyia] Palace into politics? The Asantehene’s palace is the most revered in our land, and I don’t think the Asantehene has ever engaged in political activity.
“He is a very distinguished king who is highly respected by everyone in the kingdom.
But it is not a crime for any member from that palace, who does not hold a title within the chieftaincy, to engage in politics.”
