FORMER PRESIDENT John Dramani Mahama’s apparent decision to take advantage of Asantehemaa Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II’s funeral rites to boost his chances of becoming president once again, has generated huge controversy.
The two leading political parties in the country – the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Mr. Mahama’s National Democratic Congress (NDC) – have been at each other’s throat since the ex-president went to the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Saturday.
The NPP has accused Mr. Mahama of being insensitive and disrespectful to Asante customs, hence his weird decision to visit the Manhyia Palace, venue of the funeral, accompanied by party members as if he and his supporters were attending a political rally.
The NDC, in a sharp rebuttal, has stated that Mr. Mahama respects Asante customs and traditions, arguing that the huge number of people decided to follow the ex-president to the funeral ground due to the hardship in the country.
Two top members of the NPP and the NDC virtually exchanged words when they were called by Kofi Asante, the ‘Morning Show’ host of Nhyira FM in Kumasi on Monday over Mr. Mahama’s visit to the Manhyia Palace.
NPP Jabs Mahama
Akwasi Kyei, the Ashanti Regional Communications Director of the NPP, slammed Mr. Mahama for deciding to make a political gain out of the Asantehemaa’s funeral, and must be condemned.
He claimed that Mr. Mahama’s representatives in Kumasi bused NDC supporters, who are loyal to him (Mahama), to the Kumasi Airport “to create a false impression that he (Mahama) was accorded a rousing welcome by Kumasi residents, which is not true.”
According to him, Mr. Mahama’s decision to take advantage of the late Asante queen mother’s funeral to boost his presidential ambition is totally wrong and therefore he and his followers should bow their heads in shame.
Mr Akwasi Kyei said the funeral rites of the late Asantehemaa – who was the biological mother of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II – is a solemn event, and so he was surprised Mr. Mahama wanted to use the event to campaign.
He stated that President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Bawumia attended the funeral on two occasions “but because they respect Asante customs and traditions, they did not storm the place with party members and party colours.”
Mr Kyei stated, “The NDC are jokers. They think if they bus their members to welcome Mr. Mahama at the airport, Ghanaians might mistakenly think Mr. Mahama is popular in Kumasi, which is not true.” According to him, President Akufo-Addo is rapidly fulfilling all his campaign promises, including the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy and the restoration of nurses and teacher trainee allowances, therefore the NDC’s propaganda would not work.
NDC’s Rebuttal
Joseph Yammin, who is gunning for the Ashanti Regional NDC chairmanship position, responded that it is not true that Mr. Mahama doesn’t respect Asante customs, adding that he (Mahama) commands massive support in Kumasi.
He disclosed that Mr. Mahama’s convoy, which was being followed by hundreds of NDC supporters, passed through Aboabo and Asawase communities, known NDC areas, before it finally arrived at the Manhyia Palace.
Mr Yammin said Mr. Mahama came to Kumasi to mourn the late queen mother, but not to campaign, adding, Mr. Mahama’s convoy did not pass through the usual airport roundabout to Manhyia route “because we wanted to utilize all the routes that lead to the Manhyia Palace.”
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi