In recent times, the Agyapadie document, a controversial document that allegedly outlines a master plan by the Akyem faction within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has sparked a debate on state capture.
While some have dismissed it as a mere fabrication, some leading members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) continue to question the impact of the documents and its implications for the state.
GhanaWeb has put together the reactions of prominent figures, including President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Okyenhene Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, which continues to remain a topic of discussion.
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
On Thursday, August 1, 2024, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo made a public statement for the first time on the widely circulated ‘Agyapadie’ document which is believed to be a master plan of the Akyem faction within the ruling New Patriotic Party.
During The Ghana Report Summit in Accra, Nana Akufo-Addo stated that the document is a fabrication from his political opponents aiming to gain political advantage.
“Today, with a few months to the December 2024 election, they are at it again. A fabricated document entitled Agyapadie is being puzzled around by operatives of the opposition, as evidence of a grand scheme by my party to annex the state, the assets of the state,” he said.
Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor
Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, took to his official X page, on August 2, 2024, to express his sentiments on the political document.
According to him, the Agyapadie document reads like the communist manifesto of the NPP Akyem Mafia syndicate.
“It’s a political document. It’s that simple. The Prez has denied it but alluded its existence to the handiwork of his political opponents. However, what’s intriguing is that I have never encountered a scenario where industry competitors nicodemously created a Strategic Business Plan for a Company, only for that Document or a Plan to be implemented with impressive precision, accuracy and profitability including the pattern for appointment onto the judicial Bench. Too impressive to be coincidental,” he narrated.
The Agyapadie Document reads like the Communist Manifesto of the Npp Akyem Mafia syndicate.
— Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, Esq. MP. (@etsedafeamekpor) August 2, 2024
It’s a Political Document. It’s that simple.
The Prez has denied it but alluded its existence to the handiwork of his political opponents. However, what’s intriguing is that, I have…
Studying the Agyapadie document to ascertain which truth is mortifying Akufo-Addo and his clan. pic.twitter.com/REDBGdQnfr
— Felix Kwakye Ofosu (@FelixKwakyeOfo1) August 2, 2024
“Per the logic of Pres. Nana Addo, Okyehene and Gabby, the one who crafted the “Agyapadie” book in secret for their family could be considered, in Twi, “odomfu-kumfo.” For being able to predict precisely what the family’s intentions were, in secret, and etched those intentions in ink, and for them to precisely and effortlessly execute item by item to the latter of a book that they know nothing about,” he stated.
Per the logic of Pres. Nana Addo, Okyehene and Gabby, the one who crafted the “Agyapadie” book in secret for their family could be considered, in Twi, “odomfu-kumfo.” For being able to predict precisely what the family’s intentions were, in secret, and etched those intentions in…
— Prof. Kobby Mensah (@thePOE_T) August 2, 2024
If you believe a family will document its alleged evil plans against the very village they proudly live in, document it all in revised copies of a book and impose a portrait of the head of family boldly on its front cover, then please do have your head properly examined. It may…
— Gabby Otchere-Darko (@GabbyDarko) July 31, 2024
Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin drew parallels to past incidents, stating, "We saw this during the period of J.B Danquah and we’re seeing this now. In and around October 2016, a few months before the election, the same document known as the ‘Akyem Project’ was in circulation. The focus of that was to fan hatred between Okyeman and Asanteman to undermine the electoral efforts of Nana Akufo-Addo. Unfortunately for them, it came too late to the election."
He noted that the malicious plan resurfaced in 2019 and evolved into the 'Agyapadie' in 2020 when the Agyapa business became a political issue.
Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin emphasised that the Ofori Panin Fie has maintained its prominence since before Akufo-Addo's time and has not engaged in any extraordinary activities over the past 25 years that would suggest they are elevating themselves above others.
He pointed out that the Eastern Region had more representation in former President John Agyekum Kufuor’s cabinet than in Akufo-Addo's, and asserted that the current outcry is aimed at causing disaffection towards the Akyem people.
"Many kingdoms have seen greater development over the years, but some people always have issues whenever the government decides to bring development to Okyeman," he said.
Addressing rumours about his wealth, the Okyenhene added humorously, "The funniest of it is that I am the richest chief in Ghana. I mean how? Anyway, when anyone regards you as a rich person, you must receive it. I receive it."
Dr. Arthur Kennedy
On July 20, 2024, Physician and political Analyst, Dr. Arthur Kennedy alleged that the much-disputed Agyapadie document is a blueprint for state capture by the incumbent government.
He explained that state capture in Ghana extends far beyond the mere sale of physical assets.
“We’ve lost a lot of money through the fraudulent award of contracts even though we set up a Public Procurement Authority,” he explained.
He expressed concern over the growing public frustration and its potential impact on the country.
“The problem we have in our country is that there are a lot of people in our public space and governments whose sole purpose, regardless of the policy initiative, is to figure out how to milk the public space and transfer public resources into private hands for it to become private wealth. That is why there is so much incompetence.”
The Agyapadie document
The 38-page document, which lacks a recognized author, prominently features the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, on the cover photo, followed by his father Akufo-Addo on the subsequent page.
Essentially, it outlines a supposed strategy for complete state capture by influential individuals of Akyem descent, to establish the Akyem kingdom as the most dominant in the country.
From chieftaincy to the economy, politics, and all aspects of Ghanaian society, the book outlines a detailed plan by the supposed Akyems to establish total dominance and ensure that the running of the country is done at their beck and call.
The book predicts key events in the country, including changes in leadership at the Social Security and National Insurance Trust, the collapse of indigenous Ghanaian banks and financial institutions, and the deliberate and conscious positioning of the Okyenhene as the most powerful chieftaincy institution in the country, among others.
JKB/OGB
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