Chiefs warned to stop endorsing flagbearers

The National House of Chiefs has urged chiefs and traditional leaders in the country to desist from giving their backing to party candidates ahead of the 2016 general elections.

The call follows recent public declarations of support for some flagbearers by chiefs, the latest coming from the president of the Akuapem Traditional Council.

Otubour Gyan Kwasi II had subtly endorsed New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Nana Akufo-Addo, when he urged him to save Ghana when the NPP candidate paid a courtesy call on him during his tour of the Eastern region.

But speaking to Class News’ Regina Borley Bortey Friday July 1, the president of the National House of Chiefs, Professor Naa John Nabila, said such endorsements did not represent the position of the house.

He noted that nothing could be done against a chief that openly declared support for a candidate but the house could advise that they put an end to such endorsements.

Professor Nabila called on such chiefs and traditional leaders to act in accordance with the Constitution, which bars them from engaging in active party politics.

“We have said so many times we don’t support any particular party… [If a chief endorses a political candidate] that is an individual, that is not the position of the National House of Chiefs. We can only advise them not to endorse parties, but we can’t do anything,” he stated, adding: “My advice is, they should refer to the Constitution which says we shouldn’t take part in active party politics, but it doesn’t mean that you cannot belong.”