The Paramount Chief of Upper Dixcove, Obrempong Hima Dekyi XIV, has called on traditional authorities, political actors, business leaders and citizens of the Western Region to unite in support of producing a presidential candidate from the region, describing the current lack of representation at that level as a longstanding imbalance requiring urgent redress.
Addressing a mini durbar held to mark the climax of the 2026 Kundum festival, the Paramount Chief noted that no individual from the Western Region has been seriously considered for a running-mate position since the presidency of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
“After Kwame Nkrumah who from the Western Region has even come close to a running mate? Don’t we also deserve to have a President from the region?” he stated.
He maintained that the region possesses individuals of sufficient calibre for the highest office, citing the Member of Parliament for Ellembelle, Armah-Kofi Buah, as an example.
“It’s not that we don’t have the men… We do! Aren’t the likes of Armah Kofi Buah deserving to be President of our country? A person as Armah Kofi Buah has all it takes to be Presidential material but there’s no one at the top to push him. He’s got no traditional authority backing him in an event, and that has made him a ‘lone voice’,” he said.
Appeal to Both Major Political Parties
The Paramount Chief called on both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to give due consideration to candidates from the Western Region in their selection of presidential and running-mate nominees.
“So, it’s about time, whether NPP or NDC whichever running mate or Presidential candidate they are choosing they should consider somebody from the Western Region. I don’t think we are asking too much,” he remarked.
Proposal for the Establishment of a “Western Caucus”
To advance this objective, Obrempong Hima Dekyi XIV proposed the formation of a bipartisan body, to be known as the “Western Caucus,” comprising members of both the NDC and NPP, with the mandate of promoting the political interests of the Western Region.
“Whether NDC or NPP, let us come together and form the Western Caucus and advertise Armah-Kofi Buah for the presidency,” he urged.
He further appealed to the youth of the region, NDC communicators, and other individuals of public influence to employ their respective platforms in building support for Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah’s presidential aspirations.
Concerns Regarding Regional Underdevelopment
The Paramount Chief also addressed what he characterised as the historical underdevelopment of the Western Region, notwithstanding its substantial contribution to the national economy through the extraction of natural resources.
“Look, the Western Region has fed Ghana. They first came for our gold, and we did not say anything. Now go to Tarkwa and beyond and see what is happening. Our gold is gone, and there is very little for us to show for it,” he said.
He cited further examples of resource depletion in the region.
“They have come for our timber, and our forests are depleted. Our bauxite is gone. Our manganese is gone. We found oil in commercial quantities, and the oil is almost gone, but there is still nothing significant to show for the Western Region,” he added.
He characterised the resulting condition of the region in the following terms:
“We have become beggars in our own backyard.”
The remarks by the Paramount Chief of Upper Dixcove reflect a broader sentiment among traditional and civic leaders in the Western Region regarding the need for enhanced political representation, ahead of the selection processes both major parties are expected to undertake for their respective 2028 presidential tickets.
By Portia Cudjoe
