Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has revealed the details of his encounter Vice Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang at Fetu Afahye festival in Cape Coast.
According to Otumfuo he questioned her regarding the delay in coming to be introduced at the Manhyia Palace. He expressed his surprise that despite her earlier nomination, she had not been officially introduced to him before the New Patriotic Party (NPP) selected their Vice-Presidential candidate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh.
The Asantehene jovially brought up the encounter during a meeting in Kumasi on Friday when Prof. Opoku-Agyemang was formally introduced to him. He noted that he had previously discussed the matter with her during an encounter in Cape Coast during the Fetu Afahye festival, where she assured him that the introduction would be arranged.
“When Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang was selected to support John Dramani Mahama, I heard of it, but I am surprised the party never bothered to introduce her to me since she was selected even before the NPP selected their Vice-Presidential candidate,” Otumfuo remarked. “I met her in Cape Coast during the Fetu Afahye and questioned why she had never been introduced to me, and she promised that it would be done. I am happy that they have done the right thing now.”
Otumfuo also took the opportunity to emphasize that his primary concern is Ghana’s development, not political affiliation. He encouraged both the NPP and the NDC to focus on clean campaigns and to present policies that will benefit the nation.
“What we all want as Ghanaians is to have a leader who has the people of Ghana at heart. The people following you believe you will support John Dramani Mahama in becoming president again,” the Asantehene said. “The NPP has already selected Matthew Opoku Prempeh, and it’s true that he is a son of Asanteman, but I want to say on authority that you are all my children, and I support all of you. What we want is development.”
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, in her response, expressed her appreciation to the Asantehene for his guidance and support. She acknowledged the delay in her introduction and sought Otumfuo’s blessings ahead of the upcoming elections.
“I am happy that you have accepted me and given me guidance. This is the second time John Dramani Mahama is contesting, and I know I was supposed to come earlier to introduce myself. I want to plead with you to forgive me for not doing that earlier,” she said. “I am here to seek good guidance and advice from you, and I know you are a father for all and will not hesitate to caution me when I am going wrong.”
Otumfuo’s remarks underscored his commitment to neutrality and his focus on the progress and development of the nation.
