The Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has strongly refuted the content of a circulating document bearing his image and titled “Agyapadie,” labelling it as a complete fabrication by those who have long sought to fuel a hate campaign against the Ofori Panin household and Okyeman.
The controversial book, which allegedly outlines a strategy to position the Akyem people at the forefront of Ghana’s economy, has resurfaced and gained attention in both traditional and social media.
Speaking at the Akyem Abuakwa State Council meeting over the weekend, the Okyenhene urged his kinsmen and Ghanaians to dismiss the book as unworthy of consideration.
According to a report by myjoyonline.com, he questioned the rationale behind the document, asking, “Which reasonable person in his right frame of mind hatches such an intention and documents it with his image as a cover page?”
Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin drew parallels to past incidents, stating “We saw this during the period of J.B Danquah and we’re seeing this now. In and around October 2016, a few months before the election, the same document known as the ‘Akyem Project’ was in circulation. The focus of that was to fan hatred between Okyeman and Asanteman to undermine the electoral efforts of Nana Akufo-Addo. Unfortunately for them, it came too late to the election.”
He noted that the malicious plan resurfaced in 2019 and evolved into the ‘Agyapadie’ in 2020 when the Agyapa business became a political issue.
Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin emphasised that the Ofori Panin Fie has maintained its prominence since before Akufo-Addo’s time and has not engaged in any extraordinary activities over the past 25 years that would suggest they are elevating themselves above others.
He pointed out that the Eastern Region had more representation in former President John Agyekum Kufuor’s cabinet than in Akufo-Addo’s, and asserted that the current outcry is aimed at causing disaffection towards the Akyem people.
“Many kingdoms have seen greater development over the years, but some people always have issues whenever the government decides to bring development to Okyeman,” he said.
Addressing rumours about his wealth, the Okyenhene added humorously, “The funniest of it is that I am the richest chief in Ghana. I mean how? Anyway, when anyone regards you as a rich person, you must receive it. I receive it.”
ghanaweb.com
