Gyedu Chiefs Residents Petition President Mahama To Remove Mfantseman MCE Over Disrespectful Remarks.
More than 20 chiefs and hundreds of residents of Gyedu in the Mfantseman Municipality of the Central Region have appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to remove the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Eric Stanley Acquah, accusing him of making derogatory remarks that have insulted the community and its traditional authorities.
The appeal follows comments the chiefs and residents claim the MCE made during activities marking the National Sanitation Day, where he allegedly described Gyedu as a “bush” and referred to its inhabitants as “villagers.”
Addressing a press conference at the Gyedu Chief’s Palace, the Chief of Gyedu and Asaamanhene of the Mankessim Traditional Council, Nana Nyanful VI, condemned the alleged remarks, describing them as disrespectful, unfortunate and unbecoming of a government official.
According to Nana Nyanful VI, the MCE’s comments have not only disrespected the people of Gyedu but are also undermining the development agenda and positive image of President Mahama’s administration and the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the municipality.
The chief explained that during the sanitation exercise, the MCE allegedly referred to the proposed site for the government’s planned 24-Hour Economy Market as being located in a “bush.”
He argued that such a description effectively portrays Gyedu as an undeveloped settlement and its residents as people living in a forest, a characterization he described as deeply offensive and unacceptable.
Nana Nyanful VI maintained that Gyedu is a well-established community with recognised traditional leadership, a rich history and hardworking citizens who deserve dignity and respect from public officials.
He further accused the MCE of consistently showing disregard for traditional authorities and failing to demonstrate the leadership qualities expected of the office he occupies.
As a result, the chiefs and elders have issued Hon. Eric Stanley Acquah a one-week ultimatum to publicly apologise to the traditional leaders and people of Gyedu.
According to the chief, failure to render the apology within the stipulated period will leave the traditional authorities with no option but to prohibit the MCE from entering the community for any official assignment.
Nana Nyanful VI also appealed directly to President Mahama to reshuffle the MCE, insisting that his conduct is creating avoidable tension and could negatively affect the government’s reputation in the Mfantseman Municipality.
Several residents who spoke separately to the media echoed the chiefs’ concerns, saying they had lost confidence in the MCE’s leadership.
They described the alleged reference to Gyedu as a “village” or “bush” as an insult to generations of residents who have contributed significantly to the growth and development of the municipality.
The residents stressed that regardless of political affiliations, public office holders have a responsibility to treat communities and traditional authorities with respect and dignity.
They vowed to continue pressing for a public apology and what they consider appropriate action until the matter is resolved.
Efforts to obtain the MCE’s response to the allegations were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.”
By Douglas Oyiboh Amponsah.
