The Paramount Chief of Mampong, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, has condemned the recent violent altercation at the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party office in Asante Mampong in the Ashanti Region.
The incident occurred as supporters protested the rumored nomination of Esther Dwomoh as Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), despite no official confirmation from the Presidency
Speaking during a meeting with the leadership of the NDC, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II expressed deep sadness over the violence, which he witnessed through videos from his bed.
“I was sad watching the videos of some NDC supporters from my bed. It is not that the NDC party members are working and inviting me to participate in a cleanup exercise to clear the Zongo gutters, as I used to do when I was strong. However, when I watch these videos, I see that some people have gathered chairs from your own office and placed them on the street, pouring petrol on them to burn them”, Daasebre recounted.
He lamented the destruction of property, including chairs from the party office being set ablaze.
This act, he described as “shameful and disgraceful,” and urged party leaders to take immediate action to prevent such incidents in the future.
He said “A very shameful and disgraceful act. I don’t want it to repeat itself again. My uncle has called them and had a chat with them, all the things he asked them to do. I don’t want trouble, so I advise them to do as he says.
“Whatever he told them to do, they should do it tomorrow, or else we will show them our power. The town belongs to us” Mamponghene stated.
Daasebre Osei Bonsu II also questioned the contributions of those involved in the violence to the community, particularly in supporting their own Zongo community.
He challenged them to reflect on their actions and consider the impact on the town’s unity and development.
“What contributions have they made to Asante Mampong that justify their desire to divide us? What have they done to support their own Zongo community?” he asked pointedly.
Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, a respected figure in Ghanaian politics and culture, emphasized that Mampong and Asanteman do not belong to any political party.
He stressed that the country is a shared heritage, belonging to all its citizens regardless of political affiliations.
He reflected on his long tenure on the throne and his experience during Ghana’s journey to independence.
“Let them hear that Mampongman and Asanteman, whether by custom or law, do not belong to any political party. I was in Form 4 at Prempeh College when our independence was coming,” he reminisced.
“This country does not belong to any political party; it belongs to all of us. Government will come and go, but we will remain unchanged.”
Background:
Some irate youth of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Asante Mampong municipality of the Ashanti region have for two days staged protests on the nomination of a Municipal Chief Executive (MCE).
On Wednesday and Thursday, they stormed the party office to vandalise property and openly set ablaze some items, including office furniture.
Police and fire officers had to intervene to restore law and order, though no arrests were made.
Three individuals were shortlisted for the MCE position, but the supporters insist one of them should be nominated. They include Constituency Chairman, Mohammed Kamil; the 2024 Parliamentary Candidate for Mampong, Yakubu Yakubu, and a leading party member, Imoro Iddrisu.
But the agitated supporters claim a 4th individual, Esther Dwomoh, has been named for the position, a move they are poised to resist.
www.kumasimail.com / Kwadwo Owusu
