The Ashanti Mampong Traditional Council has issued a stern warning to the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Mampong Constituency, demanding an immediate retraction and apology for what it describes as tribal and divisive remarks made by some youth of the party.
At the heart of the controversy is a recent protest by NDC supporters opposing the rumoured nomination of Esther Dwomoh, an Ashanti, as the next Mampong Municipal Chief Executive (MCE). The protest, held on April 9 and 10, spiraled into vandalism and inflammatory statements, including claims that “no Ashanti will be allowed to become MCE of Mampong.”
The traditional authority, led by Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, the Mamponghene, has condemned the utterances, describing them as unacceptable and offensive to the people of Mampong. During a meeting with the NDC’s constituency executives at his palace on Sunday, April 13, Daasebre Osei Bonsu issued an ultimatum: the party has less than 24 hours to ensure the offensive remarks are retracted.
“Advise those in the NDC who put up the despicable act. They have until tomorrow afternoon… If not, we shall shake things up for them to know that we wield the power and the entire jurisdiction,” he cautioned.
The Mamponghene emphasized Ashanti’s longstanding culture of inclusivity and hospitality, pointing out that Mampong remains a rare example of peaceful coexistence where ethnic minorities are free to install their own chiefs.
“Because of my work at the university, I have travelled a lot. There is no place you mention that I don’t know of. But our place is the only place where you find Sarkin Zongo, Ewe Chiefs, and whatnot… You are all Mampong people. We respect and treat everyone as equal, so why are some people trying to cause division among us?” he queried.
The protest by NDC youth was reportedly fueled by the belief that Esther Dwomoh, a relatively new party member since 2022, was being considered over three long-serving loyalists—Yakubu Issifu, Mohammed Kamil, and Imoro Iddrisu. Their frustration boiled over into violent demonstrations at the party office, where property was damaged and items were set ablaze.
In response to the backlash, the Mampong NDC leadership has issued a public apology, condemned the actions of the youth, and urged calm while awaiting President John Dramani Mahama’s final decision on the appointment.
As tensions ease, the incident has reignited calls for political actors to refrain from ethnic discrimination and to uphold the values of tolerance and unity in the selection of local leaders.
