Somanya: A coalition of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), National Democratic Congress (NDC) constituency chairpersons, and traditional authorities from the Krobo bloc have strongly condemned comments attributed to the New Juaben South Member of Parliament, Michael Okyere Baafi, describing them as divisive, tribalistic, and a threat to national cohesion.
According to Ghana Web, at a charged press conference held in Somanya on Monday, the groups accused the legislator of making remarks that sought to undermine the authority of the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, on the basis of her ethnic background. Baafi allegedly suggested that "a Krobo Regional Minister cannot tell us in New Juaben what to do," concerning decisions about a public facility located at Jackson Park in Koforidua.
The Krobo bloc NDC, comprising the Municipal Chief Executives of Yilo Krobo and Lower Manya Krobo as well as District Chief Executives of Upper Manya Krobo and Asuogyaman, described the remarks as "wholly unacceptable, backward and derogatory," warning that such rhetoric risks inflaming ethnic tensions in the Eastern Region. Reading the statement, MCE for Lower Manya Krobo, John Atter Matey noted, "The statements are reckless, tribalistic and a direct affront to the peace, cohesion and constitutional order of the country." He emphasized that reducing governance to ethnic lines undermines Ghana's democratic principles.
In a separate but strongly worded presser, Chiefs of Yilo Krobo, led by the Divisional Chief of Nyewer, Nene Amoatey Akpatsu Azza VI, also condemned the alleged remarks, expressing concern over what they described as "tribal insinuations" and "veiled threats of hostility." The statement, read by Nene Kwaku Adamptey, Regent of Adjikpo-Nakuyo in the Yilo Krobo Traditional Area, was supported by several traditional leaders, including other divisional chiefs and queen mothers from Yilo Krobo, who appeared at the press conference dressed in red attire and armbands, symbolizing protest and distress.
The controversy highlights longstanding sensitivities within the Eastern Region, particularly between communities in New Juaben and the Krobo areas, which share deep historical, economic, and social ties. Koforidua, the regional capital, has evolved as a cosmopolitan hub due to contributions from diverse ethnic groups, including the Krobo people, who have played key roles in agriculture, trade, and artisanal industries such as bead-making.
Both statements reiterated that under Ghana's 1992 Constitution, regional ministers are appointed by the President to represent the interests of the entire region, not specific ethnic groups. They argued that questioning the legitimacy of Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey on ethnic grounds undermines not only her office but also the authority of the Presidency and the rule of law. The groups further criticised remarks allegedly directed at the Municipal Chief Executive for New Juaben South, Ransford Owusu Boakye, describing them as inappropriate and detrimental to local governance.
The Chiefs and NDC executives have jointly issued a set of demands, including an immediate retraction of the alleged comments by Michael Okyere Baafi, an unqualified apology to the Krobo people, the Regional Minister, traditional authorities, and residents of the Eastern Region, and a commitment to refrain from divisive and ethnocentric rhetoric. They also called on the New Patriotic Party to publicly disassociate itself from the remarks, warning that continued silence could be interpreted as endorsement.
Despite the strong criticism, the groups emphasised the need for restraint and unity, urging political leaders and citizens alike to prioritise development and peaceful coexistence over divisive politics. "Ghana's strength lies in its unity, and we must protect it at all costs," the statement concluded. The development adds to growing political tension in the Eastern Region and is likely to intensify calls for responsible political discourse as stakeholders seek to prevent escalation along ethnic lines.