“Eyes Are Watching”: Akyem Asoum Krontihene Warns Silent Clergy and Chiefs
"Eyes Are Watching": Akyem Asoum Krontihene Warns Silent Clergy and Chiefs
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Nana Boadi Amponim Abodade III, the Krontihene of Akyem Asoum, has shared a candid reflection on President Nana Akufo-Addo’s legacy as his tenure comes to an end.
In a recent interview, the chief commended Akufo-Addo’s remarkable ability to suppress dissent, describing this skill as both impressive and unsettling.
“Even Lucifer had something good about him. They said he was a good singer; he had a magical voice. Lucifer, yes, so definitely, there will be something good about Nana Akufo-Addo,” Nana Boadi remarked, setting the stage for his critique.
Among the positives, the Krontihene highlighted the president’s success in keeping influential societal groups—including clergy, media, and traditional authorities—unexpectedly quiet on pressing national issues.
“The clergy, the media, the chiefs, all the outspoken people, all of a sudden became silent. You see, when you have about 32 million people with 32 million problems breathing down your neck, even the strongest of minds could bend,” he observed.
He acknowledged this “taming” of dissent as a noteworthy aspect of Akufo-Addo’s leadership but cautioned that the era of silence is now under scrutiny.
“Now that there’s a new president, we are watching. Eyes are watching those who were kept mute. If they suddenly become loud critics, we will boldly call them out as hypocrites and saboteurs. They were part of the problem,” he warned.
Despite recognizing the president’s ability to manage dissent, Nana Boadi expressed a sense of relief at the end of his administration.
“Some of us are happy to see his back. A lot of chiefs have expressed that, while they will traditionally greet him at gatherings, their respect will be tinged with hidden cynicism and even disdain,” he noted.
Looking ahead, the Krontihene voiced hope for positive change under the incoming leadership.
“Tomorrow is pregnant. Ghanaians are anticipating a lot, and we hope for a future filled with positive transformation,” he concluded.
