Nzema Chiefs accept Ben Asante as Ghana Gas CEO

Awulae Agyevi Kwame II, Paramount Chief of Nsein who was the lead advocate against Dr. Ben Asante as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana National Gas Company has conceded defeat and has pledged to work with him. He explained that he has nothing personal against the new Ghana Gas CEO.

According to him, his initial opposition to the ascension to the CEO position of Dr Asante announced at a press conference was nothing but a fair campaign for an Nzema indigene.

“That act was not borne out of dislike or hatred for Dr Asante, he said” Awulae Agyevi Kwame said this at the funeral of the late Queen mother of his traditional area at Nsein.

He expressed gratitude to the new CEO for sending a delegation to represent himself and the Company at his late queen mother's funeral.

He said he has no regrets for campaigning for a different candidate other than Dr. Asante, but conceded that his side has lost in the battle for the position and he cannot but accept the President's choice for the position.

"Some may misunderstand the presence of Ghana Gas at this funeral. Don't be. When an important stool or position becomes vacant, people jostle for it.

“Things are said and done. I have no regret for jostling for an Nzema to become the CEO of Ghana Gas.

“Like the jostling for my departing Queen mother, such expressions of preference are to be expected. Of course, l was very aware and very conscious of the fact that the appointing powers rested with the President.

“So if he has made his choice and stands by it, l cannot but accept it in spite of my wishes. It is in the same manner that those who are jostling for the departing Queen mother's position would have to accept it when a candidate is appointed".

Dr. Asante over the weekend began to pay courtesy calls on chiefs, elders and people of Nzemamanle.

The tour began with a successful visit to Awulae (Omanhene) Amihere Kpanyilli of the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area.

The visit was followed up with a private visit to Awulae Attibrukusu III and continues next week with official visits to Lower Axim Traditional Area, Nsein and Jomorro.

The CEO is expected to speak to during his next engagements.

Fortunately, the Awulaem (Omanhenes) expressed their 100% support of his appointment and acknowledged the high number of jobs that have gone to Nzemas by virtue of the presence of the Company.

Awulae Attibrukusu pointed at the number of Nzema staff that accompanied the CEO by their names and tonation.

He even identified by names and tonation which part of Nzema they come from such as Jomorro, Axim, etc.

He also acknowledged that his wife is a beneficiary of the establishment of the Company.

Officials of the ruling party and parliamentary candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at the last elections, tipped to be the next District Chief Executive (DCE) of the district, also publicly affirmed their full support of the CEO, stressing that the President and government has directed them to do so.

They also pointed out that the CEOs children are Nzemas through their mother by virtue of the matrilineal Nzema inheritance system.

The CEO was told to prepare to be made an Honourary Nzema in September, this year.

According to the chiefs, less than two and half percent of the 7-member Nzemamanle Council took part in the press conference, with the majority of them not even aware.

Besides, they disagree with the context and the arguments put forth. Again, those who held the press conference have since had a change of mind.

They asked the CEO to focus on his job and job delivery as the perfect response to his critics and not be bothered by the initial disagreements. Awulae Attibrukusu said, his own Nzemas jubilated when his bid to become President of the National House of Chiefs was not successful.

"They hailed and celebrated challenges faced by your former CEO, Dr. Sipa Yankey, here in Nzema. He faced worst challenges. “So move on, don't get distracted; focus on the positives and deliver to vindicate the faith reposed in you", he added.