Mahama apologises to Okyenhene on behalf of party executives

President John Mahama has apologised to Okyenhene Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin II on behalf of two Eastern regional executives of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) who offended the paramount chief of the Abuakwa Traditional Area with their comments several months ago.

The two executives, Bismarck Tawiah Boateng and Haruna Appau Wiredu, who are regional chairman and youth organiser, respectively, disrespected the chiefs and elders of the area, provoking a ban placed on them as far as visiting the palace was concerned.

The Kyebi Executive Council placed the ban earlier this year. The council said Mr Boateng, supported by Mr Owiredu, reportedly insulted the paramount chief at a press conference after he, the president of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, led a group of chiefs on a road tour of the region to bemoan their deplorable state.

Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin accepted Mr Mahama's apology on condition that the duo publicly declare their regret of the 'offence' and also appear before him to apologise.

President John Dramani Mahama rendered the apology on Thursday when he paid a courtesy call on Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin II at his palace.

The president’s visit, which was part of his Eastern regional tour, had been marked with controversy as the two officials of the NDC were prevented from entering the palace with him.