Elvis Osei Dapaah (R) and Lawyer Obiri Yeboah (Subin MP) in an interview with the media
The Vice Chairman of Parliament’s Select Committee on Chieftaincy, Culture and Religious Affairs, Elvis Osei Mensah Dapaah, has appealed to chiefs to refrain from engaging in partisan politics, stressing that such actions could undermine justice and peaceful coexistence in society.
According to the Ahafo Ano South West Member of Parliament (MP), chiefs who openly declare support for political parties risk compromising their neutrality in settling disputes and administering justice in their traditional areas.
Speaking to journalists after members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Chieftaincy, Culture and Religious Affairs paid a courtesy call on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at Manhyia Palace last Wednesday, Mr. Dapaah appealed to traditional rulers to remain neutral at all times.
“It is my humble plea to our respected chiefs to stay neutral as far as partisan politics is concerned,” he stated.
He explained that when a chief openly aligns with a political party, the tendency for bias in judgment becomes high, a situation he said does not promote peace.
“Any time a chief decides to show support for a political party, the tendency for such a chief to show bias in judgment is high, and that does not ensure peace,” he stressed.
Mr. Dapaah noted that chiefs play critical roles in maintaining peace and unity in communities, hence the need for them to avoid political affiliations.
He added that the Parliamentary Committee on Chieftaincy, Culture and Religious Affairs is mandated to promote religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among people of different beliefs.
The lawmaker further disclosed that the Asantehene, during the meeting, called for the National House of Chiefs to be adequately resourced to enable it effectively resolve chieftaincy disputes and promote development.
According to him, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II emphasised the need for truth and fairness in resolving disputes across the country.
Mr. Dapaah described it as a privilege to join the committee in paying a courtesy call on the Asantehene and celebrating his 27th anniversary on the Golden Stool.
FROM David Afum, Kumasi