The Ashanti Youth for Development (AYD) has condemned the false accusations made by Nana Nkansah Board, a member of the Council of Elders of the New Patriotic Party and Chief of Agric Nzema against the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene.
The accusations, which alleged Dr. Amoakohene’s involvement in disturbances at the Ashanti Regional Council of State election, have been deemed “highly irresponsible and defamatory” by the AYD.
According to AYD, Boadu’s accusations are not only unfounded but also defamatory, given that he reportedly has no prior contact or engagement with Dr. Amoakohene.
The group refuted Boadu’s claims that the Minister was connected to the alleged chaos, clarifying that the interview Boadu referenced was conducted by the Regional Chairman, Augustus Nana Akwasi not the Minister, and the points raised were inaccurate.
“The interview being referenced was not granted by the Minister but by the Regional Chairman, and none of the issues being alluded to are accurate”.
The AYD emphasized that Dr. Amoakohene, a respected medical professional and leader, deserves respect and protection from malicious political attacks and false narratives.
The group warned that such reckless and defamatory statements can damage reputations, mislead the public, and undermine peace.
“As a respected medical professional and leader committed to the peace, progress, and development of the Ashanti Region, Dr. Amoakohene’s integrity must not be subjected to malicious political attacks and false narratives”
“Such reckless and defamatory statements not only damage reputations but also mislead the public and undermine the very peace we all strive to maintain”.
The AYD is demanding an immediate and unreserved apology from Nana Nkansah Boadu.
“Ashanti Youth for Development is demanding an immediate and unreserved apology from Nana Nkansah Boadu for this wrongful accusation and defamation of character. Failure to do so within a reasonable timeframe should compel Dr. Frank Amoakohene to pursue legal action to seek redress”, the statement signed by Patrick Kwasi Aboagye noted.
The incident has ignited discussions about responsible political discourse, with AYD urging all parties to adhere to truth, fairness, and respect for individual reputations. “Spreading falsehoods for personal or political gains will not be tolerated,” Aboagye warned.
Background:
The Council of State elections in the Ashanti Region were abruptly halted on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, after chaos erupted during the counting process.
The disruption occurred at the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, where voting had been completed, and officials were preparing to count the ballots. However, a group of heavily built men, commonly referred to as “machomen,” stormed the premises and destroyed all the ballots just as the counting was about to begin.
All 86 delegates had cast their votes for the 12 candidates and were awaiting the results when the incident unfolded.
According to report, officials of the Electoral Commission (EC) quickly exited the premises, and calm was restored.
The election, which had initially proceeded smoothly, turned chaotic at the critical moment of counting, following the sorting process.
Reports indicate that the contest was highly competitive, particularly between Nana Nkansah Boadu, a staunch member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and Yaw Obimpeh, former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
However, it remains unclear who was behind the attack or which candidate the assailants supported.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Kwadwo Owusu
