W/R:Apinto Royal Family Petitions NDC NEC to Disqualify Western Regional Chairman Nana Kwabena Obo II Over Alleged Constitutional Breach

By

 


Members of the Apinto Royal Family in the Apinto Traditional Area of Wassa Fiase in the Western Region have petitioned the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), calling for an investigation into the continued occupation of the party’s Western Regional Chairmanship by Nana Kwabena Obo II.


The petition, dated October 28, 2026, also challenges his eligibility to contest the forthcoming NDC Western Regional Chairmanship election, citing an alleged breach of Article 276(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which prohibits chiefs from participating in active party politics.


The petition was filed by Ebusuapanyin Kweku Oduro, Head of the Apinto Royal Family, alongside two other family members, Martin Anane and Regina Adjei.


According to the petitioners, Nana Kwabena Obo II, known in private life as Kojo Achempong, also called Nana Toku, is the Akyeamehene of the Apinto Traditional Area at Awudua-Apinto in Wassa Fiase and currently serves as the NDC Western Regional Chairman.


The petitioners allege that Nana Kwabena Obo II was enstooled on September 28, 2006, succeeding the late Nana Kwasi Akwaw II, and is duly registered in the National Register of Chiefs maintained by the National House of Chiefs.


They claim he is listed under Serial Number 1135 as the Akyeamehene of the Apinto Traditional Area, adding that a certified extract from the register has been attached to the petition as evidence of his traditional status.


The family argues that his continued involvement in active partisan politics, while allegedly retaining his position as a recognised chief, raises constitutional concerns that require urgent attention from the NDC leadership.


The petition relies primarily on Article 276(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which states that a chief shall not take part in active party politics and must abdicate his stool or skin if he wishes to participate in politics and seeks election to Parliament.


The petitioners further cite Articles 270(1) and 277 of the Constitution, which provide for the protection of chieftaincy and define the status of a chief under customary law.


They, however, acknowledge that the express requirement for abdication under Article 276(1) specifically concerns chiefs seeking election to Parliament. They maintain that their petition is intended to draw attention to the constitutional implications of a chief's continued involvement in active party politics.


Reliefs Sought


The Apinto Royal Family is asking the NDC NEC to formally investigate and determine Nana Kwabena Obo II's traditional status and his continued participation in active party politics.


They are also seeking his disqualification from contesting the forthcoming Western Regional Chairmanship election for as long as he remains a chief and the constitutional prohibition is deemed applicable.


The petition further calls for his removal from the regional chairmanship position if the NEC determines that his continued occupation of the office is inconsistent with Article 276(1), subject to due process.


The family is also requesting interim measures to prevent the electoral process from being concluded before the eligibility question is resolved.


Other requests include verification of his traditional status by the appropriate chieftaincy authorities, written reasons for the NEC's decision, and formal notification of the outcome.


The petitioners have urged the NEC to treat the matter as urgent while ensuring that Nana Kwabena Obo II is notified and given a reasonable opportunity to respond to the allegations.


Petitioners Explain Their Position


The Apinto Royal Family says its action is not intended to undermine the institution of chieftaincy or the political rights of any individual.


Rather, the petitioners maintain that they are seeking constitutional compliance, the preservation of the sanctity of the Apinto Stool, and the protection of the integrity of the NDC's internal electoral process.


Copies of the petition have also been sent to the NDC National Chairman, the National General Secretary, the Minister responsible for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the President of the National House of Chiefs, and the President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs.


The NDC NEC is yet to publicly communicate its decision on the petition.

Credit: Nana Kwasi Asare 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

E/R:Okyenhene Destools Coaltar Chief Over Deadly Clash

By
Image
The Chief of Coaltar in the Eastern Region, Barima Asiedu Okekrebesi II, has been destooled following a violent clash in Kraboa, a farming community in the Ayensuano District, which led to the tragic deaths of two individuals. The destoolment was officially announced by a delegation of traditional leaders (Nananom), led by the Apapamhene and Amantuomiensahene, Osabarima Okogyeaman Apagya Fori. The delegation carried out the customary destoolment process at the Coaltar Palace. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, January 16, 2025, stemmed from growing tensions over alleged illegal land sales and crop destruction in the area. Residents of Kraboa, angered by these activities, staged a protest against the chief. The situation escalated when landguards allegedly hired by Barima Asiedu Okekrebesi II opened fire on the unarmed protesters. Eyewitnesses reported that the landguards, estimated to be about 50 in number, accompanied the chief in a convoy of vehicles and motorcycles. The confr...
Read more

E/R:Abuakwa North MCE Honours Chief of Sokode-Juaso and Akyem Tafo Police Commander for Leadership in Community Development and Security

By
Image
  The Abuakwa North Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Dr. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga, has recognized two prominent leaders for their dedication and impactful contributions to the community. Barimah Dr. Awuah Parker, the Chief of Sokode-Juaso, and Superintendent Isaac Ampofo, Akyem Tafo’s District Police Commander, were both honored at the 40th Farmers' Day Celebration held on November 8, 2024, in Sokode-Juaso. The event was celebrated under the theme "Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security." During the ceremony, Hon. Dr. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga lauded Barimah Dr. Awuah Parker for his exemplary leadership within just one year of his enstoolment as the Chief of Sokode-Juaso. He highlighted the socio-economic growth achieved in the area under the chief’s guidance, attributing much of the community's development to his visionary leadership. Hon. Dr. Alhaji Bodinga encouraged him to continue his efforts in transforming Sokode-Juaso into a prosper...
Read more

E/R: Abuakwa South Parliamentary Candidate Dr. Kingsley Agyeman Donates Equipment and Funds to Apprentices and Local Associations

By
Image
Dr. Kingsley Agyeman, the parliamentary candidate for Abuakwa South Constituency, has extended a generous hand to support local youth and artisans. In a heartwarming ceremony held at Akyem Maase, Dr. Agyeman, along with key New Patriotic Party (NPP) constituency executives, donated essential equipment and financial support to aspiring apprentices in dressmaking and hairdressing. Among the NPP executives present were Constituency Chairman Otis Asante, Secretary Julius Okyere, Women’s Organizer Nana Serwaa Oti, and Organizer Okyeame Appiah. The event drew participation from several electoral areas, including Asafo, Akooko, Adonkwanta, and Agyapomaa. Dr. Agyeman’s donation included 15 sewing machines and 15 hair dryers, aimed at helping young apprentices kickstart their careers in dressmaking and hairdressing. In addition to the equipment, Dr. Agyeman also provided a substantial amount of financial support. He pledged **₵1,000** for each apprentice—benefiting over 30 individuals—to be pai...
Read more

Eastern Region Inaugurates Task Force to Tackle Illegal Mining

By
Image
Koforidua, Ghana – The Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has inaugurated a nine-member illegal mining task force to combat the growing menace of galamsey and protect the region’s lands, forests, and water bodies for future generations. The task force has been mandated to monitor and prevent illegal mining activities, identify and shut down galamsey sites, enforce mining laws, confiscate illegal equipment, and engage in public education and community collaboration to curb the practice. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Eastern Regional Minister, Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, highlighted the severe impact of galamsey on the ecosystem, economy, and human lives, particularly through the destruction of water bodies and deforestation. She emphasized that the fight against illegal mining remains a top priority under the resetting agenda of the President Mahama-led administration. “The harmful effects of galamsey are far-reaching, and as a region, we can no longer tolerate this ...
Read more

E/R:Trinity Presbyterian Model School Stages Captivating Drama to Promote Cultural Awareness and Practical Learning

By
Image
  Trinity Presbyterian Model School, a government institution in Koforidua Adweso, Eastern Region, has staged a compelling drama titled The Dilemma of a Ghost to foster critical thinking, practical learning, and cultural appreciation among students. The production aimed to enhance students’ writing skills in literature, encourage a deeper appreciation of Ghanaian heritage, and explore themes of cultural identity and adaptation. With its visually striking and emotionally engaging performance, the drama delivered a powerful commentary on human experiences and the challenges of navigating different cultural worlds. Through this thought-provoking play, the school emphasized the importance of embracing cultural diversity, irrespective of religious or ethnic backgrounds. The script, written by renowned Ghanaian playwright Professor Ama Ata Aidoo, allowed students and parents to gain insight into Africa’s rich cultural traditions while instilling essential values and life skills. The...
Read more