General News of Thursday, 17 November 2016

Source: 3news.com

Chief of Staff pays courtesy call to Otumfuo as he begins Ashanti tour

Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff.

The Chief of Staff, Mr. Julius Debrah, on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi as he commenced a five-day campaign tour of the Ashanti Region.

Mr Debrah is in the region to campaign for President John Dramani Mahama who is seeking re-election for another four-year term on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress.

His meeting with Otumfuo was held behind closed door after the media was allowed photo opportunity. Sources at the Palace said the Otumfuo urged the NDC government to explain its achievements to Ghanaians to let them know the gains government had made over the years, noting “It is important to let the people know the situation on the ground.”

The Asantehene is said to have advised President Mahama to: “Tell the people what you have done in addition to what you intend doing. It’s important to allay the fears of the public.

Some are complaining of hardships, cost of petroleum prices etc, it’s important you explain issues to the people’s understanding”. The meeting was at the behest of the Chief of Staff, in conformity with tradition.

The Asantehene and his elders were said to have given Mr Debrah a warm reception.

President Mahama was in the region last week and paid a similar courtesy call on the Asantehene.

Throughout his campaign tour, Mr Debrah has paid courtesy call on the chief and opinion leaders of every village, town, city or community he visits to confer with them before the commencement of his campaign.

He has so far toured the Upper West, Brong Ahafo, Volta and the Eastern regions all in a quest to ensure one touch victory for President Mahama.

His latest visit to the Ashanti Region will see him and his entourage campaign in Juaso, Konongo, Effiduase, Zongos among other areas. Mr Debrah is in the company of the Ashanti regional minister and his deputy among other party executives.