The visit to the Konor was for Dr Prempeh to introduce him­self as the running mate to Dr Bawumia, and ask for the Para­mount Chief ’s prayers and bless­ings ahead of the 2024 election.

Dr Prempeh promised to im­prove the chieftaincy institution as it plays important role in gover­nance and development.

He noted that chiefs were the custodians of the various towns and villages, and for any political activities to be meaningful in their jurisdictions and the country at large, such prayers were critical.

“Nene, if you go to commune with our ancestors, please always mention my name. If you used to pray once a month, Nene, please do it twice now. Your grandson has been elevated and I’ll need your intercessions,” Dr Prempeh, popu­larly known as NAPO, appealed to the paramount chief at his palace in Krobo Odumase in the Eastern Region yesterday.

Receiving the running mate and his entourage, which included na­tional officers and NPP parliamen­tary candidates in the three Krobo constituencies, the Konor said “you have my support because you have demonstrated competence.”

Nene Sakite II, who is also the President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, noted that the chieftaincy institution has been ignored by successive governments for far too long, and needed to be given its right place in the gover­nance architecture.

“You are a royal and you know what the institution needs. We are not asking for too much. At least recognition. We are closer to the people than you the politicians. I see and feel the problems of the people on daily basis (as my other colleagues do across the country),” Konor reminded Dr Prempeh.

Nene Sakite said the stability of the country rested largely on chief­taincy as traditional rulers were the first point of call by the citizenry at the most basic levels of society and governance.

“Don’t push us aside because we have a lot to offer. My prayer is that when you get there, don’t for­get the institution. I’ll pray for you everyday for your message to be accepted,” he assured Dr Prempeh.

Responding to the concerns of the Konor, Dr Prempeh said if the NPP wins the 2024 election, issues of chieftaincy would be brought to the front burner.

“For the first time in this coun­try, chieftaincy issues will change for the better. The chieftaincy institution is very important to the governance,” Dr Prempeh under­scored.

According to him, chiefs were part and parcel of the inde­pendence struggle and must be brought to the decision making table in governance.

Dr Prempeh thanked the Konor and the people for supporting the government, assuring that the gov­ernment would continue to invest in both human and infrastructure to improve the lives of the people and prepare the youth for leader­ship positions.

 FROM JULIUS YAO PETETSI, KROBO ODUMASE