Manhyia writes to regional minister over disrespect to traditional leaders

The Manhyia Palace has expressed concerns over the posture of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) over the representation of traditional leaders on the assembly.

In a strong-worded statement addressed to the minister on January 13, 2020, the Manhyia palace said it was angered by the seeming disrespect meted out it by the assemblies.

The KMA in a statement denied reports that the palace has threatened to withdraw its representative on the various assemblies in the region.

Background

The Asantehene Otumfuo has withdrawn his representatives from the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and other assemblies in the Ashanti region.

According to the Bantamahene, Baffour Owusu Amankwatia, the traditional council feels eliminated in local governance representation in the various assemblies.

He revealed that the assembly formerly had 5 representatives on the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and other assemblies.

However, he said, the number has been reduced to 1 by the Central government.

The traditional council believes it is no more relevant in the local governance structure hence the decision by the Otumfuo to withdraw all traditional representation in the various assemblies.

The Bantamahene who is representing the Asantehene at the inauguration of and swearing in the of 8th Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly stressed a formal letter has been sent to the Ashanti regional minister Simon Osei Mensah.