The House also celebrated Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the Vice President-elect, for her historic achievement.

In a statement jointly signed by Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, President of the House, and Mr Stephen Owusu, Public Relations Officer, and issued in Kumasi, the NHC expressed joy over the successful conduct of the elections.

“Please accept our warmest congratulations on your decisive victory and our best wishes for your success as you prepare to take up the responsibilities and challenges of the high office of President of Ghana,” the statement read.

The House further acknowledged Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, for his timely concession and reconciliatory message, which they described as a demonstration of political maturity.

Additionally, the statement commended all elected Members of Parliament, as well as the unsuccessful presidential and parliamentary candidates, for their understanding and maturity, which contributed to the peaceful nature of the elections.

The NHC lauded the Electoral Commission (EC), Peace Council, media, diplomatic community, security agencies, clergy, religious groups, and both domestic and international election observers for their collective roles in ensuring fair and peaceful elections.

“We also want to congratulate fellow compatriots, the good people of Ghana, for their contribution to the peaceful elections. Indeed, you all have done Ghana proud and have further demonstrated conviction in our democratic credentials as a beacon of hope in Africa. It is proud to be a Ghanaian, the Black Star of Africa,” the statement added.

The House pledged its highest cooperation and support for the administration of the President-elect, expressing optimism for continued collaboration in fostering national development.

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The President extended his appreciation during a meeting with the chiefs on Tuesday, 26th November, as part of his three-day tour of the Ashanti Region.

During the gathering, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the vital role the chiefs had played in his administration, noting that their cooperation had been instrumental in advancing several developmental projects in the region.

He emphasized that the backing of the traditional leaders had made it easier to implement key policies and initiatives.

The President stated that the trust and encouragement he received from the chiefs had significantly contributed to the successes of his government.

He described their collaboration as a cornerstone of stability in the region, which had enabled the government to pursue its objectives effectively.

President Akufo-Addo also acknowledged the deep-rooted relationship between his administration and the Ashanti Region’s traditional authorities.

He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the partnership remains strong as his term nears its conclusion, promising continued attention to the needs of the region.

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According to President of the House, Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi II, respecting the judgement is the surest way through which “Ghana will continue to be recognised as a country governed by the rule of law and not the rule of men.”

Addressing a meeting in Kumasi, he encouraged aggrieved parties to seek review of the Supreme Court decision and not resort to debates and arguments over same.

On March 9, 2022, the Supreme Court ruled that a Deputy Speaker of Parliament can be counted during the formation of a quorum for parliamentary decision-making and participation in voting while presiding.

The Court presided over by Justice Jones Dotse, therefore, affirmed the approval of the 2022 budget without NDC MPs’ participation.

Since that ruling, high-ranking members in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have expressed dissenting views over the matter.

But Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi II says Parliament and allied stakeholders should hold up to democratic governance, adding that it is “the most preferred for the majority of Ghanaians.”

“The positive effects of democracy far outweigh the weaknesses we observe at times,” he stated.

In a related development, the Essikado-Ketan MP, Joe Ghartey, has implored his colleagues unhappy with the ruling to seek review.

He said the controversies surrounding the judgement are needless since aggrieved parties can always opt for review at the Supreme Court.

The former Deputy Speaker and Minister of Justice indicated that there can be the possibility of a change in the ruling; hence, Members of Parliament who disagree with the current ruling have the opportunity to seek redress.

“There are three institutions of government. Parliament is not the only one among them that is a master of its own rules. The Judiciary is as well.”

“This shouldn’t be an issue at all. If any of the parties disagree with the judgment, they can call for a review, and who knows, the Court may change its mind,” he said.

The Oti Region was created out of the Volta Region after an emphatic ‘yes’ in a referendum last year, and the process was completed with a historic inauguration of the Oti Regional House of Chiefs by Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia on Tuesday, September 22 in Dambai.

At the inauguration, traditional authorities couldn’t hide their excitement and gratitude towards President Akufo-Addo, the man who they claim made their dreams a reality.

According to them, the creation of the new region has given them an identity, and they will remain thankful to President Akufo-Addo.

Speaking at the ceremony, Vice President Bawumia said the creation of six new regions has re-demarcated the administrative boundaries of the country. This, he said, will help speed up development.

He added that the government of President Akufo-Addo was committed to bringing democracy to the people, and urged the chiefs to be part of the process, using their revered institution.

“As the President said at Goaso during the inauguration of the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs, government is determined to bring governance closer to the people, and expand the boundaries of democracy in our country.

“We are counting on you to help shape and integrate yourselves into these developments. This way, the peculiarly Ghanaian contribution to the concept of governance, which emanates from the integration of royal, aristocratic institutions into the fabric of a republican, democratic framework, will be enhanced and strengthened to the benefit of the Ghanaian people.

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“I urge you to speak out and join government’s fight against the ills of our society – corruption, social and economic injustice, crime, the illegal mining menace, popularly referred to as galamsey. As Chiefs, you have a responsibility, as was done in the days of our forefathers, to help preserve our lands, water bodies and environment,” he said.

As a new region, the Vice President assured the chiefs of government’s readiness to build a new regional hospital as part of the Akufo-Addo government’s Agenda 111 health project.

The Vice President also updated the chiefs on the extent of development projects the Akufo-Addo government has undertaken in the region so far.

“There are 299 projects being executed in the Region, with 159 completed, and the remaining 140 ongoing. These are projects in education, health, roads, water and sanitation, etc.,” Dr Bawumia said.

“Together with flagship policies like the free Senior High School, Planting for Food and Jobs, One-District-One-Factory, one district one warehouse, one constituency one ambulance, NABCO, Zongo Development Fund, as well as the provision of free electricity and water, the people of Oti have seen a lot of development and improvement in livelihoods in less than four years under President Akufo-Addo. We, therefore, need to protect all these achievements as we seek to do more in the next four years with your support,” Dr Bawumia added.

The chairman of the Governance Committee of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II of Sefwi Anhwiaso in the Western Region is displeased with a recent press release by the House’s Chairman, Torgbe Afede.

According to Nana Gyebi II, the position expressed by the Chairman in which he called for a “no vote’ does not represent that of all the chiefs and must, therefore, should be disregarded.

A press statement released on Friday under the signatures of the President, Togbe Afede XIV and the Vice President, Daasebre Nana Kwebu Ewusi VII said the House was against the government’s proposition for the December 17 referendum.

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The statement said the House of Chiefs was concerned about the adverse effects of partisan politics on local level development if the proposition were to go through at the referendum.

Nana Ogyeahoho Gyebi II, commenting on the release on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen Friday said the Statement did not represent the collective view of the House of Chiefs.

“I am not aware of any consultation or meeting. This matter should have been referred to the Governance Committee of which I am the Chairman but it hasn’t been referred to me. If it came to the Governing Council, it would have been discussed at the planning committee but this hasn’t happened so I don’t know who and who came out with this statement on behalf of all the paramount chiefs in the country.

To him, the two major political parties have taken a different stance on the issue therefore if care is not taken, the chiefs will be seen as involving themselves directly in party politics.

“So far as I am concerned, this is statement is coming from two individuals, not the House,” he added.

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