It is stupid to use the red carpet - Nana Kobina Nketia V

The Paramount Chief of Essikado Traditional Area, Nana Kobina Nketia V has decried how African elites and intelligentsia adapt everything from the West.

Speaking on Starr FM’ Personality Program Starr Chat hosted by Kwabena Anokye Adisi , also known as “Bola Ray” the Essikado Paramount Chief decried how the ordinary Ghanaian intelligentsia mimic everything western and adapt it hook line sinker without finding out its relevance in African culture; he wondered why at public functions most speakers always want to quote Europeans but not African scholars.

He added that most Africans are not aware of colonialism and mental slavery, asking, “.. why do we use red carpets? It is stupid!.. whenever I wear red, what does it symbolize? And if I do, you will ask me if I am mourning?” he retorted angrily.

Nana Kobina Nketia advocated for finding indigenous solutions lamenting how our mode of education which is westernized make us lash at the chieftaincy institution.

He said most of those who have failed the nation are the educated ones. He underscored the relevance of Bob Marley’s "Redemption Song” to portray the extent of neo-colonialism “..why should I do something the white man has done? Because he is practising democracy as a form of government, I must do same? ” the Omanhene of Essikado quizzed.

He recounted how when Ghana’ s post-colonial constitution was drafted according to the Westminster model and no one found nothing wrong about it praising the bold effort by this late Kobina Sekyi who spoke against it and had an attempt made on his life for doing that.

Nana Kobina Nketia said his life has greatly been influenced by the Autobiography of Malcolm X which gave him a sense of self, saying “I want to be in an African heaven that reflects our values as depicted in villages, not any European heaven”, he said.

Responding to a question by a caller for him to lead for the establishment of a sole university for the Sekondi/Takoradi metropolis, the Paramount Chief of Essikado said it is long overdue as since 1951, his predecessor had discussed with Dr Kwame Nkrumah a university for the metropolis and promised that by 2021 the vision of a university will have been materialised .

He also spoke about his love for Sekondi Eleven Wise despite being rained with insults as a life patron of the club anytime the club is not doing well.

On railways, he said the coup of 1981 played a major role in its collapse. On the decline of music and live band music in the Western Region he blamed it on the drifting of people to the capital as among some of the factors and called for the relocation of the headquarters of Ghana National Petroleum Commissioned in the Region as promised during the 2016 election campaign.

The outspoken Paramount Chief said leadership is a simple module and an inborn thing which demands humility and service.