Banda Traditional Council denies endorsing Bawumia, NPP at a meeting

The Banda Traditional Council has denied claims of endorsing Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia during his visit to the Banda Constituency in the Bono Region on Sunday, October 13, 2024, as part of his campaign as the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer.

The Banda Traditional Council clarified that prior to Dr. Bawumia’s visit, Banda District Chief Executive (DCE) Emmanuel Akone formally informed the council of the Vice President’s intention to visit the district for a campaign event.

The council agreed to receive the Vice President at the palace of Banda Manhene, Osabarima Okokyeredom Kwadwo Sito I, in Banda Ahenkro.

However, the council noted that plans changed when the New Patriotic Party’s parliamentary candidate for the area, Joe Danquah in coordination with the DCE, Emmanuel Akone redirected the meeting venue to Kabrono Presby Church.

Feeling disrespected by this unilateral change, the Banda Traditional Council declined to participate in the event and rejected the invitation extended through the DCE.

Addressing reports of an endorsement by Nana Sen Apem Sah Kyameh II, the Chief of Banda Kabrono, the Banda Traditional Council emphasized that while Nana Sen Apem Sah Kyameh II is a recognized Chief of Banda Kabrono, he is not the Omanhene (paramount chief) of the Banda Traditional Council.

The council expressed disappointment that the Vice President’s team failed to properly verify the status of the chiefs they met during the visit.

“The Vice President only met two chiefs who are not members of the Banda Traditional Council as we speak. Therefore, any endorsement of Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia by these individuals does not reflect the views of the Banda Traditional Council,” stated Nana Kwaku Afriyie, a council member.

The Banda Traditional Council urged Dr. Bawumia and his campaign team to refrain from engaging with individuals falsely presenting themselves as paramount chiefs.

They stressed the importance of avoiding actions that could create unnecessary chieftaincy disputes in the peaceful Banda district for political gain.