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The Manhyia Palace of the Asantehene has dealt a heavy blow to former president John Mahama, describing him as an “ingrate and a betrayer” over his recent denial that Otumfuo persuaded him to accept defeat in 2016.
A frosty relationship is developing between Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the Office of former President Mahama, after the latter publicly refuted any attempt by the former to talk him out to concede defeat after the 2016 elections.
“At the conclusion of the last Presidential and Parliamentary elections, the country stood on the edge of disaster. The UN community and the diplomatic corps were aghast and alarmed that Ghana was about to slip down the slope of electoral violence. Fortunately, the moral authority of the Palace was at hand and we were able to intervene to persuade the losing candidate to accept his fate and to fly both candidates for a quiet encounter to pave the way for a smooth handover. These are the highest examples of the crucial roles behind the curtains when the moral force of traditional authority is harnessed to protect and sustain the peace, unity and security of Ghana,” Otumfuo told the UN General Assembly recently.
Mahama has rejected the claim, stressing he willingly accepted defeat.
“It is public knowledge that President Mahama willingly announced his decision to accept the outcome of the 2016 elections and congratulate Nana Akufo-Addo even before the official results were formally declared by the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission,” a former chief of staff during Mahama’s era, Mr. Julius Debrah said in a statement.
In a sharp response, the spokesperson of Asantehene, Baffour Hyiaman Brentuo VI, said Mahama will be shown where power lies if he describes the Monarch as a liar.
“The meeting was between the then now – President Akufo-Addo, Mrs. Charlotte Osei former electoral commissioner and Air Force General O.J were witnesses of the meeting. Mahama will be a colossal ingrate, even his appointment to Vice Presidency was mitigated by Otumfuo, when Flt. Lt. Jerry Rawlings would not allow him to be the running mate to the late Prof. John Atta- Mills in 2008.
“To call Otumfuo a liar or allow his cronies or to allow his people to disparage and pour vituperative to such a benefactor who went to the extent of accommodating you during your tenure as President, is to say the least very regrettable and inexcusable,” he told local station Starr FM.
“As a politician he should remember that the Road to Power does not pass through Manhyia Palace but definitely through the indivisible Asante region where Otumfuo reigns, and that his people will always remember him as an ungrateful politician. He shouldn’t forget where he danced to the “Y3n ntie obiara” music to the chagrin of the broad masses of Asante people that won Manhyia Palace displeasure of many Ghanaians. What disgusting betrayal from a son,’’ he added.
Meanwhile, former president JJ Rawlings has commended the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his “highly educative address” at the UN General Assembly last week.
“The Asantehene has made us proud with a highly educative address to the UN on the subject of PEACE. Comments by former President Mahama on an aspect of the address shouldn’t elicit or provoke edict sounding threats. It’s unwarranted and unnecessary. There’s enough tension. Let’s cool it and cool off,” Rawlings tweeted.
Source: Daily Mail GH
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