The residents and chiefs of Akyem Abuakwa have staged a protest against the leadership of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) over what they say is the “abusive and Provocative” comment against the Okyenhene by the Ashanti Regional Secretary of the party Kwame Zu.

Mr. Zu while addressing participants of a demonstration by the Coalition for National Sovereignty last week said among other things that a water treatment project which was provided in the hometown of the current President, Kyebi, saved the Okyenhene from drinking from the same river animals drank from.

Kwame Zu has since apologised for the comment.

“I did make a statement to the effect that until potable water was provided for the Okyenhene and his people, they drank unwholesome water. The said statement was used in good faith and figuratively to underscore that the Okyenhene did not drink different water from his subjects, again flowing from the love he has for his people."

"After deeply reflecting over the said statement and the interpretation given it by a section of the public, which interpretation is plausible, I wholeheartedly regret for making that statement. I hereby wish to unreservedly render an unqualified apology to the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council and indeed all Ghanaians for the said statement,” he wrote in an apology.

However, organizers of the protest say some elements of the opposition NDC have over the years developed the penchant of insulting the Overlord of Akyem Abuakwa hence protesting to send a strong signal that Okyeman will no longer tolerate such conducts.

The protest led by angry Chiefs, Queen mothers and residents of Akyem Abuakwa is moving through the streets of Kyebi amidst firing of musketry, holding placards with varied inscriptions such as “Okyeman is very angry, You can’t divide Akyems and Ashantis, NDC stop this foolish and reckless talk, NDC and Zu Okyeman won’t Forgive you".

The protesters are expecting to address the media after the march.