Chiefs, queenmothers, and Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) from the Krobo area have intensified calls on the Member of Parliament for New Juaben South, Michael Okyere Baafi, to retract and apologise over alleged tribal remarks directed at Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey.
The traditional leaders have warned that they will petition the Speaker of Parliament of Ghana for disciplinary action if the MP fails to issue an unqualified apology.
The controversy stems from a radio interview in which the MP reportedly stated that the Regional Minister, whom he described as a Krobo, could not direct the people of Koforidua.
He is also alleged to have issued threats against the Minister and the Municipal Chief Executive for New Juaben South, Ransford Owusu Boakye, in connection with the ongoing Jackson Park allocation dispute.
The remarks have sparked outrage, particularly within the Krobo traditional area.
At a press conference, chiefs and queenmothers from Yilo and Manya Krobo condemned the comments as ethnocentric and a threat to peace and unity.
They are demanding an immediate retraction and an unqualified apology to the Regional Minister, traditional authorities, and the people of Ghana. They also warned of further action if their demands are not met.
Spokesperson for the group, Nene Kwaku Adamptey, urged the Minister to remain focused on her mandate despite the controversy.
In a related development, MDCEs across the Krobo enclave have also condemned the remarks.
Speaking on their behalf, the Municipal Chief Executive for Lower Manya Krobo, John Atey Martey, stressed that Regional Ministers represent the state and not any particular ethnic group.
The MDCEs further called on the New Patriotic Party to publicly disassociate itself from the comments and ensure discipline within its ranks.
