Eric Adjei, Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), has criticized the President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, holding him responsible for the rising wave of chieftaincy-related conflicts across Ghana.
In a recent interview with Ark FM monitored by Kumasimail, Mr. Adjei attributed the ongoing unrest in Sampa, which has escalated into violent confrontations, to what he described as a “failure of leadership” by the Paramount Chief of Sefwi Anhwiaso, who also serves as the head of the National House of Chiefs.
“The situation at Sampa is a direct result of poor leadership,” Adjei charged. “Every society relies on guidance from its leaders. As a leader, your followers look up to you and follow your direction.”
He emphasized that the Sampa unrest stems from disagreements over the rightful candidate for enstoolment as chief, with the broader community bearing the brunt of the violence.
Drawing from personal tragedy, Adjei recounted that his own brother, a driver known as Koo, was fatally shot during the recent clashes while attempting to get his vehicle repaired in town.
“I am not even from Sampa, yet I have lost my brother because of these issues,” he lamented. “Ordinary citizens are the ones suffering, not just the royals.”
Adjei insisted that the leadership of Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II has failed to stem the tide of chieftaincy conflicts nationwide.
He referenced recent violent disputes in Nkwanta in the Volta Region and parts of the Upper East Region as further evidence of inadequate leadership.
“Ogyeahoho is a problem for Ghana’s chieftaincy institution. Under his tenure, conflicts have become too frequent. There are ways to preserve peace in a society. If you are a leader, there are some issues and certain truths that are not always meant to be said,” he noted.
Addressing the specific events in Sampa, he alleged the conflict was reignited when a court reportedly issued a mandamus order for Nana Gyafra to be sworn in as chief, leading to renewed violence.
Adjei concluded by calling on President John Mahama to closely examine the tenure of the House of Chiefs’ president, warning that continued leadership failures could destabilize the nation further.
“I think President Mahama should take a critical look at the President of the National House of Chiefs; his actions could destroy the country. Ogyeahoho’s leadership is very poor,” he remarked.
Source: www.Kumasimail/Kwadwo Owusu
