The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has vehemently denied allegations from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) that it seeks to manipulate the political landscape by leveraging the influence of the Manhyia Palace, following the selection of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as a flagbearer contender.
The NDC’s Deputy General Secretary, Mustapha Gbande, had insinuated that the NPP aims to politicize Dr. Prempeh’s royal connections.
In response to these claims, NPP Deputy General Secretary Haruna Mohammed voiced his disappointment during an interview with Acra-based radio Citi FM, stressing that the Asantehene has not engaged in any actions that would support such allegations.
Mohammed stated, “The Asantehene has not engaged in any actions that would justify such allegations from the NDC.”
Mohammed further clarified that the NPP’s decision to nominate Dr. Opoku Prempeh was not an attempt to exploit the Manhyia Palace for political purposes.
He dismissed the NDC’s accusations as unfounded and reiterated, “Unfortunately, when people are identified by where they come from, there is no doubt that Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh is from a royal gate and that is a fact. The chief [Asantehene] touted this particular angle from which Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh comes.”
Defending the Asantehene’s neutrality, Mohammed emphasized that the revered palace and its leaders have never been involved in political activities.
He asserted, “Where lies the drawing of the Asantehene or the [Manhyia] palace into politics? The Asantehene’s palace is the most revered in our land. And I don’t think that the Asantehene has ever engaged himself in political activity.”
Concluding his remarks, Mohammed praised the Asantehene as a distinguished and respected figure, stating that it is not a crime for individuals from the palace to engage in politics.
He added, “He is a very distinguished king who is much respected by the rank and file of the kingdom. But it is not a crime for any member that comes from that palace to do politics.”
