Residents of Ejura, led by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications Director for the area, have petitioned the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs and His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, alleging misconduct by Barima Osei Hwedie II, the Chief of Ejura.
The petition accuses the Chief of engaging in partisan political activities that violate Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, undermining his neutrality as a traditional leader.
The petition highlights several grievances, including claims that the Chief openly campaigned for New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Additionally, it alleges that Barima Osei Hwedie II promised to waive ground rents for Ejura residents who support the NPP candidate, a move petitioners claim politicizes his traditional authority.
According to the petitioners, these actions contravene Article 276(1) of the Constitution, which bars chiefs from active partisan politics.
“Barima Osei Hwedie II has promised to waive ground rent for residents of Ejura who vote for Alhaji Bawumia,” the petition states. “Such acts politicize his traditional authority and compromise his impartiality as a custodian of the land.”
The petitioners also allege that the Chief misrepresented the stance of Akan Chiefs, including the Asantehene, by claiming they support Dr. Bawumia’s candidacy. They further accused him of threatening punitive measures, such as eviction, against residents who oppose the NPP candidate. These actions, the petition argues, violate constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and association.
“The Chief has reportedly threatened punitive measures, including eviction, against residents who do not support the NPP candidate. Such actions violate constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and association,” the petition emphasizes.
The petitioners are calling on the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs to investigate the allegations and take disciplinary action. They also seek a public clarification from Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to disassociate himself from any claims of political partisanship attributed to him.
They urge the House of Chiefs to reiterate the constitutional mandate requiring all chiefs to remain apolitical to preserve the integrity of the chieftaincy institution.
Read the petition below:
