A member of the campaign team of the Member of Parliament (MP) for Afigya Sekyere East, Hon. Mavis Nkansah-Boadu, has appealed to traditional elders and opinion leaders to intervene in the dispute between the MP and the Agonamanhene, Obiri Komfo Anokye Boakye II, to facilitate a peaceful resolution.
The appeal was made by Hon. Hayford Peprah, the Presiding Member of the Sekyere South Municipal Assembly and a member of the MP’s campaign team, following a decision by the traditional ruler to ban the MP from organising social events in Agona.
Hon. Peprah expressed concern about the development, insisting that the disagreement could be resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding rather than measures that could affect community activities and youth development programmes.
The dispute reportedly arose after an invitation letter sent to the palace invited the Agonamanhene to a football tournament organised by the MP. The letter allegedly referred to the traditional ruler as the “Chief of Agona” instead of the “Paramount Chief of Agona”, a description said to have angered the palace.
However, Hon. Peprah maintained that the wording was an administrative oversight and not a deliberate attempt to disrespect the traditional ruler. He argued that the matter could have been addressed through communication and an opportunity for the MP’s office to clarify the issue.
According to Hon. Peprah, Hon. Nkansah-Boadu, accompanied by a delegation, visited the residence of the Agonamanhene after receiving communication from the palace in an attempt to resolve the disagreement. He claimed that the delegation waited for several hours but was not granted an audience with the traditional ruler.
He further alleged that the MP made another attempt to meet the Agonamanhene the following day but was again unsuccessful. Hon. Peprah said the MP, whom he described as a royal who respects traditional authority, remained willing to engage the palace to settle the misunderstanding.
The campaign team member also expressed concern about the possible impact of the ban on youth development initiatives, particularly the Inter-Senior High School Football Tournament and other community-based activities organised by the MP.
He noted that sporting activities provide young people with opportunities to develop their talents, build relationships and promote unity among communities. He therefore urged all parties to consider the interests of young people and residents who benefit from such programmes.
Hon. Peprah called on traditional elders, opinion leaders and the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs to intervene and facilitate constructive engagement between the MP and the Agonamanhene. He expressed hope that mediation would help restore cordial relations and prevent the dispute from affecting community development.
He urged both parties to prioritise peace, mutual respect and the welfare of the people of Agona, stressing that dialogue remained an important means of resolving misunderstandings. A response from the Agonamanhene or his representatives was not available at the time of writing.
