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Former President Mahama’s decision to declare his intentions to contest for the National Democractic Congress’ flagbearership race on the same day that marked the historic visit of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to Akyem to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Ofori-Panin, has landed him in trouble.

A special aide to the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Mr. Andy Owusu, has released a statement accusing the ex-president of not wanting the see the two tribes flourish in unity and peace.

According to him, though “his visible absence did not in anyway dim the beauty of the event, it was a golden chance for former president Mahama to dispel the notion many had about his feelings towards the two tribes.”

Full Statement below

Until last Thursday, August 23rd, 2018, my doubts about former president John Mahama's dislike for the culture of Akyem-Abuakwa was basically shaky.

Some Ghanaians who perfectly understood the traditions of Asanteman and Akyem-Abuakwa had always accused the former president of plotting moves aimed at straining healthy relations between the two groups just to advance his political career.

His move to pitch the Akyems against Ashantis intensified when he took over from the late former President Mills simply to ensure the NDC retained power.

However, as hard as he tried to cause disunity and break the front of these great kingdoms, the contrary has always been the case.

If there was any day in the country's traditional history that will forever remain golden and significant, particularly, in the annals of Asanteman and Akyem-Abuakwa, then that was Thursday, 23rd August, 2018.

It was a day that the Asantehene, the 16th occupant of the Golden Stool, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, made what many had described as ‘a triumphant entry to Akyem-Abuakwa State’, where he joined his brother, Okyenhene, Amoatia Ofori-Panin, of Akyem-Abuakwa, to mark the 75th anniversary of the death of Ofori-Panin.

It was a display of rich and unique traditions, cultures and above all, to show that Osei Tutu and Ofori Panin are rather brothers and not enemies. It also shot down the evil political interest some politicians wanted to share with Ghanaians.

The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, led a powerful government delegation to witness the historic event. Former president Jerry Rawlings, his wife, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawling as well as top diplomats, the clergy, politicians and traditional rulers graced the big occasion.

Conspicuously missing at the great event, was the immediate past president, Mr. John Dramani Mahama and his entire NDC party.

Though his visible absence did not in any way dim the beauty of the event, it was a golden chance for former president Mahama to dispel the notion many had about his feelings towards the two tribes.