Daasebre Oti Boateng denies endorsing Mahama

The Omanhene of the New Juaben Traditional Area, Daasebre Prof. (Emeritus) Oti Boateng, has debunked media reports that he has endorsed a presidential candidate.

A statement signed by the Special Assistant to the Omanhene,  Mr Nyaaba-Aweeba Azongo, declared,  "The attention of the Omanhene of the New Juaben Traditional Area, Daasebre Prof. (Emeritus) Oti-Boateng, has been drawn to the above-captioned article on Ghanaweb which appears to suggest an endorsement of a candidate by the Omanhene in this year's election.”

According to the statement, the Omanhene, who is currently not in the country, takes exception to the publication and denies same, saying that such purported endorsement of a candidate by the Traditional Council would be against the tenet of the Constitution which debars chiefs from openly identifying with political parties, and by extension candidates for an election on the platform of political parties.

"Being a paramount chief of international stature and part of the top echelon of  the chieftaincy institution in Ghana,” the statement added, “it is my responsibility not only to safeguard the dignity and sanctity of the institution of chieftaincy, but also to ensure that chieftaincy becomes the rallying point of leadership for all, irrespective of one's cultural, religious and political leanings.”

The statement further pointed out that the New Juaben Traditional Council, per their mandate and reputation, welcomes  all shades of political leadership with the mandate of the citizenry to govern this country.

It added, "The Omanhene wishes to take this opportunity to advise chiefs to ensure that their communication in the presence of political leadership and the media are well-measured and devoid of emotions that are likely to bring the traditional councils and the very institution of chieftaincy into disrepute, particularly in such sensitive political periods. We should also  refrain from acts that are likely to erode public confidence in the chieftaincy institution.”