NPP accuses NDC of using chiefs for propaganda

Accra, June 9, GNA - The New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Thursday criticized the use of chiefs for propaganda by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Government.

A statement issued in Accra by Nana Akomea, Communications Director, said: 93The NPP has noted with interest the recent use of Chiefs in the propaganda strategy of the NDC."

"In the recent week, it was the Okyeman Council, which was reported to have endorsed the Government of the NDC. There, reports have led to protests from the Chiefs of Okyeman that they had made no such endorsement, or that they had been misrepresented".

According the statement, 93This week, it has been the chief of Goaso,in the Brong Ahafo Region, who has been reported as also endorsing the Government of the NDC. This report has also resulted in the Chief of Goaso engaging in media effort to clarify what statements he was reported to have made."

"Our Chiefs are our traditional rulers, custodians of our land and our culture. In this unique position, they have been insulated from partisan politics.

Our Chiefs, during all governments, have made statements of welcome and appreciation to Presidents, Head of States and government officials in appreciation of development, social projects in their districts, traditional areas."

The statement said: 93The recent phenomenon where such statements are represented to mean endorsements of ruling governments, risk bringing our Chiefs into partisan politics, and into disrepute."

"Every government, through the district assemblies, engages in various development projects, throughout the country."

The statement said during the time of the NPP Government, in 2008 alone, the developmental projects executed in Asunafo District, where Goaso is situated, included, a three-unit classroom block at Alavanyo, a three-unit classroom block at Norbekaw, a three-unit classroom block at Kasapin and a school block at Mim .

The rest are a community clinic at Gyasikrom, hospital theatre at Goaso Hospital, six-unit classroom block at Adomakofrom, rehabilitation of Goaso High Court and Area Council Block at Sankore.

The remaining projects are; a three-unit classroom block at Kuokooso, three-unit classroom block at Kamirekrom, three-unit classroom block at Pomaakrom and a three-unit classroom block at Denyase.

"If government intends using district developmental projects as propaganda strategy, this should not be done with the risk of dragging our revered chiefs into partisan politics," the statement added.