The Ekumfi Traditional Council is attributing the massive defeat of the New Patriotic Party in the Ekumfi area to a statement made by President Akufo Addo.
The President had earlier indicated that the area was denied development because they voted against Francis Ato Cudjoe who was the incumbent Member of Parliament for the area in the 2020 elections.
The traditional council believes that statement from the president stirred the anger of the people in the area especially when the president and the entire NPP remained silent even when the council publicly expressed their disappointment with the statement.
Addressing a press conference at Ekumfi Aburam Monday, December 16, 2024, President of the Council who is also the Omanhene of the Ekumfi Traditional Area, Odeefo Akyin VIII said “as traditional leaders we are custodians of the land and the people and deserve to be respected. Though we do not do politics, I’m certain the President’s statement did not enthuse our people.”
“We are disappointed that even though we expressed our disappointment in that comment, the President [Akufo Addo] and the NPP has still not responded to us,” he added.
He underscored the need for political office holders to respect and revere traditional leaders and the general electorate who determine their fate during elections.
While congratulating the President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, the chief also reminded him to focus on the developmental needs of the people, advising him to “embrace teamwork, foster inclusivity, and promote the spirit of collaboration.”
Odeefo Akyin VIII further observed that “we, the people of Ekumfi were told plainly that we were neglected because we did not vote for a particular parliamentary candidate during the 2020 general elections. However, we firmly believe that you and your government will not just show us respect but will have Ekumfiman on your radar and give us the necessary development needed.”
The NPP’s parliamentary candidate for Ekumfi constituency, Stefan Okumkom garnered 10,992 votes against the NDC’s Othniel Ekow Kwainoe who won with 18,426 of the total valid votes.
The presidential elections saw the NPP gaining 9,284 representing 32.28 per cent while the NDC swept a 19,046 votes representing 66.23 per cent of the total valid votes.
Ekumfi Traditional Council urges Mahama to execute an all-inclusive development
