Former Presidential candidate Akwasi Addai Odike has been in the news in the past few days for making certain comments against the overlord of the Asante state. According to Odike he was appalled at the state of galamsey in the region and vowed to lead the youth in a protest against Otumfuo if nothing is done to curb the activities of these illegal miners.
The chiefs of the region felt offended and called for the closure of the FM station where Odike made those comments. Odike himself was banished from Kumasi. Today, Monday, August 29, 2022 the Peace Council with support from the Ghana Journalists Association are in a meeting with the Chiefs in the Ashanti Region. However, the question on many mouths is why Odike himself is absent from the meeting.
It was reported earlier that Odike was also summoned to be part of the meeting but from all indications he is absent. On Midday Live on TV3 Akwasi Addai Odike has explained why he has refused to attend the meeting. According to him he should have been summoned by the chiefs and made to explain himself. This didn’t happen and he was out rightly banished before he could even be heard. Odike explained that he wants to know where he erred so that he can determine if he needs to render an apology.
Secondly, Odike mentions that even if he needs to render an apology he needs to visit Manhyia and do it appropriately. Here is the case that he is banished so where is he supposed to go and render an apology. He told the TV3 reporter that his life is at stake and would take any chances by attending today’s meeting until the banishment on him has been revoked.
Odike might be right because he should have been given a right to defend himself with an appearance no matter how wrong he was. The punishment on him can be seen as arbitrary. Again the lives of his children and family are at stake because this punishment is more of a bounty on his head. It is yet to be seen if the chiefs will tone down, revoke their punishment and call Odike. This might seem like a low moment but it will be one of the first steps to end the impasse.
With happenings at the meeting today, it is likely that Oyerepa FM will be pardoned and made to resume operations. According to some of the chiefs they never asked the station to halt operation. They note that they only made a suggestion. Many have noted that the chiefs are toning down after the backlash they received for the order they gave last week
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