I Respect My Elders And Chiefs; Awutu Senya East MCE Rebuffs Allegations Labeling Chiefs As Landguards And Intruders

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

Mr. Banini clarified that the resolution documented in the minutes of the recent MUSEC meeting does not reflect his statement that chiefs and traditional office holders are landguards intruders.

The MCE described the allegations by Nai Atopi and certain sub-chiefs as completely unfounded.

According to the MCE, as a grassroots resident who has lived in the area for the past twenty-six (26) years, he holds immense respect for the chiefs, traditional leaders, elders, and all residents, emphasizing that he would be the last person to disrespect the traditional authorities or the community.

Mr. Banini expressed his confusion regarding Nai Atopi's motives for publicly attacking his personal integrity and making unsupported allegations against him. 

Speaking in an interview with journalists, Mr Banii 

stated that, as the MCE, he did not support Nai Atopi's efforts to confront private land developers who had already purchased and registered lands at Jei River within the Krodua Estate and environs.

As the chairman of the Municipal Security Committee (MUSEC) for the Awutu Senya East Municipal Assembly, the MCE reported that residents from Jei River in the Krodua Estate and surrounding areas have officially lodged multiple complaints. 

These residents and landowners accused Nai Atopi of deploying his personnel to harass them by double-charging private developers for lands already acquired and registered, a situation that poses a serious threat to human security.

Mr. Banii added that, together with the Central Regional Police Commander, he facilitated the erection of a police barrier at the Jei River area to safeguard the community. 

However, Nai Atopi was displeased with this security measure.

He further stated that Nai Atopi’s motives for organizing a press conference against him are unclear.

 The MCE recounted that Nai Atopi told him he has influential connections within the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) government and threatened to persuade them to remove him from his position.

He explained that following the death of the substantive chief of the Ofaakor Odupong Traditional Area, Nai Atopi approached him and the contractor involved in the Kasoa Old Market Square redevelopment project, demanding a revision of the original agreement.

According to him, Nai Atopi proposed increasing their allocation from four to twenty shop slots. When he and the contractor declined, Nai Atopi became angry and vowed to ensure his removal from office.

Mr. Banii stated that since assuming office, he and his team have collaborated with the chiefs and traditional office holders of the Ofaakor Odupong Traditional Area to foster development. 

He firmly denied ever describing them as landguards or intruders, contrary to Nai Atopi’s claims.

Meanwhile, the regent, chiefs, kingmakers, elders, and other traditional authorities of the Ofaakor Odupong Traditional Area have described the MCE as a respectful individual who maintains close working relationships with all traditional leaders.

They said they have no issues with the Municipal Chief Executive, regard him as highly competent, and distanced themselves from the accusations leveled against him by Nai Atopi, the Mankrado of the Odupong Ofaakor Stool (Nai Darko Ankrah), and the Odikro of Kasoa (Nai Saani Seidu).

The acknowledged traditional leaders of the Ofaakor Odupong Traditional Area called upon President John Dramani Mahama to disregard the claims made by Nai Atopi and his followers regarding Mr. Banini’s purported removal. 

They emphasized that the authentic leadership has made no official decision to seek the removal of the Municipal Chief Executive. Furthermore, they asserted that those spreading such statements lack the authority and standing to speak on behalf of the entire traditional council.