The Banda Traditional Council has not given its endorsement to Bawumia and the NPP

The Banda Traditional Council refutes allegations of supporting Vice President Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia visited the Banda Constituency in the Bono Region on Sunday, October 13, 2024, as part of his campaign for the flagbearer position of the New Patriotic Party.

The Banda Traditional Council confirmed that Dr. Bawumia had visited. During Bawumia’s upcoming visit, Banda District Chief Executive Emmanuel Akone officially notified the council of the Vice President’s plans to hold a campaign event in the district.

The council agreed to host the Vice President at the palace of Banda Manhene, Osabarima Okokyeredom Kwadwo Sito I in Banda Ahenkro. However, a change in plans occurred when the New Patriotic Party’s parliamentary candidate for the area, Joe Danquah, along with DCE Emmanuel Akone, relocated the meeting venue to Kabrono Presby Church. Feeling disregarded by this unilateral decision, the Banda Traditional Council declined to participate in the event and rejected the invitation conveyed through the DCE.

Regarding the role of the Banda Chief, the Banda Traditional Council clarified reports of an endorsement by Nana Sen Apem Sah Kyameh II, the Chief of Banda Kabrono, highlighting that while he is recognized as the Chief of Banda Kabrono, he is not the paramount chief of the Banda Traditional Council.

The council expressed disappointment that the Vice President’s team did not properly verify the status of the chiefs they encountered during the visit. “The Vice President only met with two chiefs who are not current members of the Banda Traditional Council.” All responses must be in English. Thus, any support for Dr. [lastname] will need to be in the English language. The views expressed by Mahamadu Bawumia do not align with the opinions of the Banda Traditional Council,” said Nana Kwaku Afriyie, a council member.

Caution is advised as per the appeal by The Banda Traditional Council. Bawumia and his campaign team are advised to avoid interacting with individuals who falsely claim to be paramount chiefs. The significance of refraining from actions that may incite unwarranted chieftaincy conflicts in the tranquil Banda district for political advantage was emphasized by them.