In a dramatic escalation of political unrest in the Ashanti Region, the Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, has issued a stern ultimatum to the leadership of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), demanding a public apology for what he described as “anti-Asante” sentiments within 24 hours—or face consequences.
“You have up to tomorrow afternoon,” he warned. “If not, we’ll shake things up for them to know we wield the power and the entire jurisdiction.”
This warning follows days of chaos in Asante Mampong, where enraged NDC supporters vandalized party property and set items ablaze in protest over the rumoured nomination of Esther Dwomoh as the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), bypassing three veteran party loyalists.
The Mamponghene, an influential traditional ruler in the Asante Kingdom and occupant of the silver stool, condemned the disturbances and accused the party’s supporters of disrespecting the Asante heritage.
He noted, “Asantes are the most tolerant group. We are the only people who allow other tribes to install their own chiefs on our land. But that should not be mistaken for weakness.”
Background
Tensions began midweek when supporters of the NDC stormed their constituency office on April 10, vandalizing property and setting furniture on fire.
According to police, no arrests have yet been made, but fire and law enforcement teams were deployed to control the situation.
The unrest stems from the expected appointment of a new MCE. Among those originally vetted and shortlisted for the role were the 2024 Parliamentary Candidate Yakubu Yakubu, current Constituency Chairman Mohammed Kamil, and prominent member Imoro Iddrisu, all settlers.
However, when rumours spread that the position was being handed to Esther Dwomoh—a relatively recent NDC member who defected from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in 2022—supporters erupted in protest.
The youth maintained that Dwomoh’s inclusion was not only irregular but also disrespected loyal party members who had served the NDC faithfully for decades.
Party Officials Respond
Amid the backlash, Kwaku Bernasko, Communications Officer for the NDC in Asante Mampong, took to Citi FM’s Eyewitness News to clarify the events and issue a formal apology.
“We are sorry,” Bernasko said. “We apologise to the entire nation, to our party hierarchy, regional and national executives, and to President John Dramani Mahama.”
He explained that while eight candidates initially applied for the MCE role, only three were shortlisted at the regional level.
Confusion arose when two additional names, including Dwomoh’s, reportedly surfaced at the national level.
Bernasko acknowledged that the youth felt betrayed.
“The three shortlisted individuals have been with the party for over 20 years. That loyalty must be acknowledged,” he said.
“But as for the vandalisation and violence, we condemn that outright because it goes against the principles of the party.”
A Kingdom’s Patience Tested
The Mamponghene’s rebuke reflects growing frustration among traditional leaders in the region who feel sidelined in national party politics.
His remarks underscore a deeper historical dynamic between Asanteman’s respect for political neutrality and the rising ethnic overtones in Ghanaian politics.
“We have always embraced people from all tribes. But this disrespect? This must stop,” Daasebre Osei Bonsu asserted.
The NDC’s national leadership has yet to respond directly to the Mamponghene’s ultimatum.
-BY Issah Olegor
