Asokore chiefs install President Mahama as 'Mpuntuohene'

The chiefs of the Asokore traditional area in the Eastern Region have installed President John Mahama as the Mpuntuohene (Development Chief) of the area.

The chiefs also presented a symbolic traditional sword to enable him win the December 7 political battle.

The installation, which was undertaken when President Mahama called on the chiefs at Asokore,near Koforidua on Tuesday evening as part of his campaign tour of the region, was in appreciation of the progress the area has witnessed under the Mahama administration.

In addition, the chiefs openly declared their support for the President’s second term bid, describing his leadership as “progressive and productive” especially for rural areas.

Speaking on behalf of the chiefs, the chief of Suhyen, Okogyeaman Ankomah Basapong, explained that the sword was meant to aid the President to secure victory at the polls.

“He who climbs a good tree deserves a push, and when someone is embarking on a good battle, we can only offer him a sword. I’ve seen a lot of developmental projects in my own backyard; the Koforidua-Bunso road that has been in bad state for the past 20 years has been fixed by this government. Schools and many other projects have also been executed,” he said.

Judging from the performance of his administration, the chief was optimistic that developments in the second term of the President would surpass that of his first term, describing the plans in the manifesto of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as “realistic and laudable”.

“I have also read the NDC manifesto and seen the good things in there, then I can only plead with Ghanaians, my only prayer is that we give him a second term to continue.”

Okogyeaman Basapong, however called for more projects, including one of the communityday senior high schools, and urged the residents to vote massively for the NDC.

President Mahama, who was in the area on his last day of his six-day tour of the region, thanked the chiefs for the show of support, and assured them of more development projects in his second term.

From Asokore, the President called on the New Juaben Traditional Council at Koforidua, where the chiefs unanimously declared their support for him.

Baffuor Tutu Nyantakyi Boateng, Krontihene of New Juaben, who spoke on behalf of the Omanhene, Daasebre Prof Emeritus Oti Boateng, declared that “we the chiefs in New Juaben as well as the entire New Juaben traditional area are solidly behind you in your bid to win the elections to enable you get the opportunity to continue your good works in ensuring that development is brought to the doorsteps of the people of Ghana”.

He said the Council remained appreciative of the support from the government which has resulted in the New Juaben municipality securing its share of development, and was confident that more would be provided for the benefit of the people in the area.

In addition, he said the Council desired an elevation of the New Juaben municipality to a metropolitan status, and appealed to President Mahama to grant that desire in his second term.

Earlier before visiting New Juaben, President Mahama addressed mammoth rallies at Akroso, Suhum, Abetifi, Mpraeso and the Savior Church of Ghana, where he also inaugurated a senior high school complex consisting of a 12-unit classroom block, two-storey dormitory, two-storey library and administration block, and dining hall and kitchen, for the Saviour Church SHS.