Chief of Gbese Traditional Area in Accra, Nii Ayi Bonte, is battling intense pressure from Ghanaians following his promise to abdicate his throne if New Patriotic Party (NPP) won the presidential poll.
Sections of Ghanaians are demanding he respects his words by honourably resigning as he promised before scores of people.
Nii Ayi Bonte known in private life as Tommy Okine said at the groundbreaking ceremony for the redevelopment of the Salaga market in Accra that President John Mahama would win the December 7 poll.
‘He [President Mahama] is delivering the work given him. Whatever he came to do, he is not done yet. By 6 p.m on Wednesday [Election Day] we will turn Ghana upside down [in victory celebration],’ he said in Ga.
‘Victory is ours. I am telling you that if victory is not ours I, Nii Ayi Bonte will step down. I am convinced we will win hands down,’ he added.
Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah who represented the President at the ceremony said the statement of the chief has convinced him that the NDC would win the elections.
‘I am very happy that for the first time a Chief has confirmed the President will be re-elected and has sworn by his stool that if he loses he will abdicate his stool,’ he also said in Ga.
He assured Nii Ayi Bonte that, ‘The God we serve will not make him lose his seat because he [the President] will be re-elected.’
Things did not go as the Chief had anticipated. The President was defeated by NPP Presidential Candidate, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The NPP leader polled 53.86 percent of the valid vote cast with President Mahama settling for 44.40 percent.
Barely a week after the defeat of the NDC, social media platforms especially Facebook is awash with messages from some Ghanaians urging the chief to step down.
A lady commented on Facebook that, “Gbese Manste! Gbese Mantse! Gbese Mantse! Ofain3 yi shi…please abdicate your stool ooo…abdicati stool nu!”
Another also wrote, “Nii Ayi Bonte aka Tommy Okine. Let’s see you honour your word wai. Thank you.”
“This’ what happens to Chiefs who involve themselves in politics,” another added.
Monitoring events on social media, it is obvious the pressure is about to peak with few days to the official inauguration of President-Elect, Nana Akufo-Addo.
Will Mr Okine take responsibility for his promise and abdicate his throne?
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