The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Awutu Senya East Municipal Assembly in the Central Region, Seth Serwonoo Banini, has strongly refuted viral claims by Nai Atopi that he labelled traditional leaders as landguards and intruders, stressing his deep respect for all traditional authorities in the municipality.

Banini clarified that the resolution documented in the minutes of the recent MUSEC meeting does not reflect his alleged statement.

“The resolution documented in the minutes of the recent MUSEC meeting does not reflect my statement that chiefs and traditional office holders are landguards and intruders. Those claims are completely unfounded,” he said.

The MCE described the allegations by Nai Atopi and certain sub‑chiefs as baseless, adding that his long‑standing ties to the community make such accusations implausible.

“As a grassroots resident who has lived here for 26 years, I hold immense respect for the chiefs, traditional leaders, elders, and all residents. I would be the last person to disrespect the traditional authorities or the community,” Banini noted.

He expressed confusion over Nai Atopi’s motives for publicly attacking his integrity, particularly after he opposed attempts to confront private land developers who had already purchased and registered lands at Jei River within the Krodua Estate and environs.

Banini explained that residents and landowners had lodged multiple complaints against Nai Atopi.

“Residents and landowners have officially lodged multiple complaints accusing Nai Atopi of deploying his personnel to harass them by double‑charging private developers for lands already acquired and registered. This poses a serious threat to human security,” he revealed.

To address the situation, Banini said he worked with the Central Regional Police Commander to erect a police barrier at the Jei River area.

The MCE further recounted that Nai Atopi had threatened to use his political connections to remove him from office after disagreements over shop allocations in the Kasoa Old Market Square redevelopment project.

“Together with the Central Regional Police Commander, I facilitated the erection of a police barrier at the Jei River area to safeguard the community,” he added.

Despite these tensions, Banini emphasised his collaborative relationship with traditional leaders.

“Since assuming office, my team and I have collaborated with the chiefs and traditional office holders of the Ofaakor Odupong Traditional Area to foster development. I have never described them as landguards or intruders,” he insisted.

Meanwhile, the regent, chiefs, kingmakers, elders, and other traditional authorities of the Ofaakor Odupong Traditional Area have rallied behind the MCE, describing him as respectful and competent. They distanced themselves from Nai Atopi’s accusations and urged President John Dramani Mahama to disregard calls for Banini’s removal.

They stressed that those spreading such claims lack the authority to speak on behalf of the traditional council.