The New Patriotic Party constituency executives in Afigya Sekyere East have apologised to the Agona Traditional Council after an invitation letter addressed to the area’s paramount ruler, Obirikomfo Anokye Boakye II, as “Chief” rather than “Paramount Chief”, triggering tensions over respect for traditional authority.
The apology follows a directive by the Omanhene prohibiting the constituency’s Member of Parliament, Mavis Nkansah Boadu, from organising social events within his traditional jurisdiction. The ruler reportedly took the decision in response to what he considered disrespectful conduct by the legislator.
In a statement, the constituency executives described the incorrect title in an invitation to the MNB Inter Senior High School Football Tournament as an unintended mistake, insisting that it was never meant to diminish the dignity or authority of the Agona Traditional Stool.
They accepted responsibility for the error, expressed regret to the Omanhene and the Traditional Council, and pledged to ensure that such an incident did not happen again.
The executives also came to the defence of the MP, maintaining that she has considerable respect for traditional leaders and recognises the importance of customary institutions in Ghanaian society.
“We also wish to state that, having worked closely with Hon. Mavis Nkansah Boadu for several years, we can confidently vouch for her character, integrity, respect for humanity, and deep regard for tradition and customary authority. Her reverence for traditional institutions is a value she holds very dear,” the statement said.
The executives further sought to clarify the MP’s involvement in the Omanhene’s enstoolment ceremony, explaining that she was represented by party executives, family members, the former District Chief Executive and the Presiding Member of the Sekyere South Municipal Assembly.
According to them, drinks, water, schnapps and other customary items were presented during the ceremony as expressions of goodwill and respect for the traditional ruler.
They added that the MP had made two separate attempts to visit the Omanhene after his enstoolment to pay her respects, but neither visit was successful.
Despite the apology and the explanations offered by the constituency executives, the traditional ruler’s directive prohibits the MP from organising social events within his jurisdiction. The restriction affects Agona, Dipoa, Wiamoase, Bedomase, Afamanaso, Akrofonso and Ampanyinamoa.
The ban also affects the MNB Inter Senior High School Football Tournament, which was scheduled for October 23, 2026, raising concerns about the future of the competition and the young people expected to participate.
The NPP executives defended the tournament, describing it as a youth development initiative into which the MP had committed substantial financial resources. They said the competition was designed to provide young people with recreational opportunities while creating a platform for talented footballers to attract the attention of scouts from Ghana and other parts of the world.
According to the executives, the tournament offers aspiring footballers an opportunity to showcase their abilities and potentially access further training and development opportunities.
They maintained that the initiative was intended to benefit young people and contribute to sports development within the constituency, rather than undermine the authority of traditional leaders.
The executives reaffirmed their respect for the Omanhene and other traditional authorities in Afigya Sekyere East, expressing their commitment to restoring cordial relations with the Agona Traditional Council.
They also pledged to support efforts to preserve peace, unity and development in the area, as the disagreement over the invitation letter and the subsequent restriction on the MP’s social activities continue to draw attention to the relationship between elected representatives and traditional institutions.
