The Ellembelle Constituency Executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have dismissed allegations linking the Member of Parliament for the area, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah Esquire, to the destoolment of some chiefs in the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area.
The executives, through their Communications Officer, Francis Alluh Anlimah, described the allegations as unfounded and misleading, insisting that the legislator has no constitutional or traditional mandate to install or destool chiefs.
Speaking on behalf of the constituency executives in response to a circulating press release concerning some destooled chiefs in Nzema, Francis Alluh Anlimah cautioned individuals he described as self-acclaimed chiefs against making unsubstantiated allegations capable of generating tension and undermining the peace of the traditional area.
He maintained that the matter was particularly troubling for the people of Nzema, arguing that the area needed unity, responsible leadership and a collective commitment to development rather than public exchanges that could deepen divisions.
According to him, Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah has consistently championed the interests of Nzema and worked to enhance the area’s visibility and developmental prospects on the national stage.
He, however, expressed concern about attempts to associate the MP with traditional disputes, stressing that chieftaincy matters fall within the jurisdiction of recognised traditional authorities and not elected political representatives.
He explained that the installation of chiefs is guided by established customs and traditions, involving consultations among community elders and the appropriate traditional authorities.
He added that decisions concerning the conduct and possible destoolment of a chief are equally determined through recognised customary procedures, insisting that the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources has no authority to influence such processes.
The Communications Officer consequently rejected claims that Armah-Kofi Buah was responsible for the removal of some traditional rulers, describing the allegations as an attempt to drag the legislator into matters beyond his official responsibilities.
He also questioned assertions that the Ellembelle MP had assumed an elder’s position within a traditional palace, arguing that such claims appeared to misconstrue the distinction between showing respect to traditional authorities and interfering in chieftaincy affairs.
Francis Alluh Anlimah maintained that Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah, as a representative of the people, is expected to accord traditional rulers the necessary courtesy and respect whenever he visits communities within his constituency, irrespective of who occupies a particular traditional stool.
He cautioned against interpreting such gestures of respect as political interference or an attempt to influence traditional leadership arrangements.
Turning his attention to individuals he described as self-acclaimed chiefs, he urged them to demonstrate responsible leadership, respect established customs and prioritise the welfare of their communities instead of making allegations that could damage the reputation of others.
He further appealed to all parties involved to exercise restraint in their public pronouncements, warning that unnecessary confrontations could undermine the unity and peaceful coexistence of the Nzema people.
The NDC Communications Officer reiterated that the constituency’s development agenda should remain the overriding priority, stressing the need for traditional authorities and political leaders to operate within their respective jurisdictions while working towards the collective advancement of the area.
He maintained that Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah remained focused on promoting development, peace and inclusivity across Ellembelle and the wider Nzema enclave.
Alluh concluded by reiterating the constituency executives’ rejection of the allegations against the MP and urged those behind the claims to desist from statements that could inflame tensions within the traditional area.
The comments reflect the position of the Ellembelle NDC Constituency Executives as communicated by Francis Alluh Anlimah. The allegations contained in the circulating press release and the responses of those who issued it have not been independently verified by this publication.