Mankessim: The Nkusukum Traditional Council has performed traditional rituals, including the pouring of libation, to banish the Member of Parliament (MP) for Mfantseman, Dr. Ebenezer Arhin, from stepping foot on any Nkusukum land. The aggrieved Nkusukum chiefs, dressed in traditional black and red, and council members invoked the gods of the land to take severe action against the MP, citing persistent disrespect toward the traditional authority.
According to Ghana Web, the Omanhen of Nkusukum Traditional Area, Okogyeman Okese Essandoh IX, stated at a press conference that 'If the Mfantsiman MP is only going to continue his political journey, then there is a bridge for him to cross, and the name of the bridge is the bridge of the Nkusukum land.' This declaration comes as part of a conflict over the government's 24-Hour economy market project. The MP and his Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) had initially informed the Nkusukum Traditional Council of their selection of Mankessim market for this initiative, but later changed the site without informing the chiefs.
Okogyeman Essandoh expressed that the MP's actions amounted to 'a total disrespect' towards the traditional council. He recounted an incident following the sod cutting ceremony where market women poured powder on the MP, signaling public discontent. Despite the banishment of Dr. Arhin, Okogyeman Essandoh emphasized that the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) party remains welcome in the Nkusukum Traditional Council.
Addressing further concerns, Okogyeman Essandoh refuted allegations of collaborating with the Roads and Highways Minister and the President of Ghana to divert a road from Mankessim to Accra. To assert the identity and authority of the Nkusukum Traditional Council, he announced plans to rename the Mankessim roundabout as the Nkusukum Mankessim roundabout and instructed that all towns prefix their names with 'Nkusukum.'