NDC on Chronicle story

Kumasi (Ashanti Region) 19 March ?99

Mr P. E. K. Antwi, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has denied that the party has attempted to influence the Asantehemaa, Nana Afua Kobi Serwaa Ampem, in choosing a successor to the Golden Stool.

In a statement to the press in Kumasi on Thursday, Mr Antwi described the story, which appeared in the " Ghanaian Chronicle" of Wednesday, as "baseless, ridiculous and without merit".

The statement said the NDC has not made any attempt to influence the Asantehemaa. It said the party has high respect for the long-cherished traditions of Asantes in the selection of their chiefs. The NDC is prepared to challenge the "so-called 'Chronicle' scouts" to substantiate the "wicked allegation". It called on the media to leave Ghanaians to mourn the Asantehene in unity and in peace, saying there should be "no unnecessary politicisation and no concocted accusations"