NDC Atlanta on Dr. Henry Dannaa’s appointment

We the members of NDC Atlanta have been following with keen interest, events surrounding the appointments of Ministers and other Government functionaries in Ghana. We are particularly interested especially in the nominations and subsequent agitations over some of these appointments.

We wish to put on record that NDC Atlanta highly recognize and respect the role of our traditional leaders in the day-to-day administration of our country. Especially in areas far removed from the immediate reach of the central government, successive governments have immensely relied on the offices of our Chiefs to govern the good people of our Nation. Over the years, our Chiefs have become not only developmental partners of our governments but also patrons of our democratic governance.

However, recent events surrounding the demands by some sections of our Chiefs have cast serious slurs on the image of this sacred institution. Some of our Chiefs, taking advantage of their role and influence in the country have exceeded their limit. We mention in particular the recent demands by some of the Chiefs across the country calling on the President to reconsider the nomination of the Minister designate for Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs, Dr. Henry Seidu Dannaa, requesting that he be replaced because their (the Chiefs’) customs debar them from dabbling with physically challenged people, against the background that Dr. Dannaa is visually impaired. NDC Atlanta deems this demand as unfortunate, discriminatory and excessive.

While respecting the tradition and customs regarding the Chieftaincy institution, especially on those that prevent the Chiefs from coming into direct contact with certain traditional taboos, we equally believe that the fundamental human rights of each and every individual member of the Country is important. We believe that such demands might have emanated from lack of informed awareness of the basic requirements of the laws of our Country. While this demand might potentially damage the cordial and mutual collaboration that should exist between the two parties, we urge our Chiefs to be rest assured of the capabilities of Dr. Dannaa, and also try in a systematic way to eschew traditional cultures and customs that are considered outmoded and do not enhance the development of our Country and its people.

We urge Ghanaians and our Chiefs not to judge the visual incapacitation of Dr. Dannaa as a liability but rather judge the content of his character and capabilities, and give him the full support that he requires to help transform our Chieftaincy institution.

Signed

Seth Tweneboah Deputy Secretary NDC Atlanta, Georgia, USA eyezuatlanta@gmail.com