Krobo leaders, NDC officials blast Okyere Baafi over ethnocentric allegations

Correspondence from the Eastern Region

A coalition of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), National Democratic Congress (NDC) constituency chairpersons, and traditional authorities from the Krobo bloc have strongly condemned comments attributed to the New Juaben South Member of Parliament, Michael Okyere Baafi, describing them as divisive, tribalistic, and a threat to national cohesion.

At a charged press conference held in Somanya on Monday, April 13, the groups accused the legislator of making remarks that sought to undermine the authority of the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, on the basis of her ethnic background.

According to the joint press conference, Baafi allegedly suggested that “a Krobo Regional Minister cannot tell us in New Juaben what to do,” in reference to decisions concerning a public facility located at Jackson Park in Koforidua.

Strong condemnation from Krobo bloc

The Krobo bloc NDC comprising the Municipal Chief Executives of Yilo Krobo and Lower Manya Krobo as well as District Chief Executives of Upper Manya Krobo and Asuogyaman, described the remarks as “wholly unacceptable, backward and derogatory,” warning that such rhetoric risks inflaming ethnic tensions in the Eastern Region.

Reading the statement, MCE for Lower Manya Krobo, John Atter Matey noted: "The statements are reckless, tribalistic and a direct affront to the peace, cohesion and constitutional order of the country.”

Furthering, he said reducing governance to ethnic lines undermines Ghana’s democratic principles.

The local government leaders emphasised that the Eastern Region is historically multi-ethnic, home to Akans, Krobos, Guans, Ewes and other groups who have coexisted for generations, and cautioned against any attempt to suggest ethnic ownership of public office or infrastructure.

Chiefs and traditional leaders join criticism

In a separate but strongly worded presser, Chiefs of Yilo Krobo led by the Divisional Chief of Nyewer, Nene Amoatey Akpatsu Azza VI, also condemned the alleged remarks, expressing concern over what they described as “tribal insinuations” and “veiled threats of hostility.”



The statement, read by Nene Kwaku Adamptey, Regent of Adjikpo-Nakuyo in the Yilo Krobo Traditional Area, was supported by several traditional leaders, including other divisional chiefs and queen mothers from Yilo Krobo, who appeared at the press conference dressed in red attire and armbands—symbolising protest and distress.

Nene Adamptey stressed that public office holders derive their authority from the state and the Constitution, not from ethnic affiliation.

“To suggest that a Regional Minister’s mandate is limited by her origin is divisive, regressive and dangerous,” the statement noted.

Historical context and rising tensions

The controversy highlights longstanding sensitivities within the Eastern Region, particularly between communities in New Juaben and the Krobo areas, which share deep historical, economic, and social ties.

Koforidua, the regional capital, has evolved as a cosmopolitan hub due to contributions from diverse ethnic groups, including the Krobo people, who have played key roles in agriculture, trade, and artisanal industries such as bead-making.

The Krobo leadership also referenced past moments of cooperation with state authorities, including compliance during disputes such as the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) billing challenges that affected the area, to underscore their commitment to national unity and lawful governance.

Defence of constitutional authority

Both statements reiterated that under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, regional ministers are appointed by the President to represent the interests of the entire region, not specific ethnic groups.

They argued that questioning the legitimacy of Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey on ethnic grounds undermines not only her office but also the authority of the Presidency and the rule of law.

The groups further criticised remarks allegedly directed at the Municipal Chief Executive for New Juaben South, Ransford Owusu Boakye, describing them as inappropriate and detrimental to local governance.

Demands for retraction and apology

The Chiefs and NDC executives have jointly issued a set of demands, including:

An immediate retraction of the alleged comments by Michael Okyere Baafi.

An unqualified apology to the Krobo people, the Regional Minister, traditional authorities, and residents of the Eastern Region.

A commitment to refrain from divisive and ethnocentric rhetoric.

They also called on the New Patriotic Party to publicly disassociate itself from the remarks, warning that continued silence could be interpreted as endorsement.

Call for unity

Despite the strong criticism, the groups emphasised the need for restraint and unity, urging political leaders and citizens alike to prioritise development and peaceful coexistence over divisive politics.

“Ghana’s strength lies in its unity, and we must protect it at all costs,” the statement concluded.

The development adds to growing political tension in the Eastern Region and is likely to intensify calls for responsible political discourse as stakeholders seek to prevent escalation along ethnic lines.