16 Chiefs of Aowin sign petition demanding removal of Western North Regional Minister over assassination attempts

Western North Regional Minister, Hon. Richard Ebbah Obeng

Chiefs of Aowin have sent a petition to the seat of government at the Jubilee House appealing to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to remove the Western North Regional Minister, Hon. Richard Ebbah Obeng.

The Minister, according to the 16 Chiefs who have signed the petition, is partly to be blamed for the assassination attempts on the life of the Aowin Paramount Chief, Omanhene, Beyeeman Tano Kwaw Benbuin III.

The recent attack occurred at the Enchi Anyi Oyoko Royal Palace on November 6 and resulted in the death of four (4) of the assailants.

“We would like to bring to your notice that it is alleged that the Western North Regional Minister, Hon. Richard Ebbah Obeng supports the perpetrators’ assaults on the Omanhene and his palace. The alleged involvement of the Western North Regional Minister, in the ongoing attack on the palace is now an open secret in Enchi. It is hard to believe that the Regional Minister who is an indigene of Aowin and the Head of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), to date has been silent and unconcerned about the unrest and insecurity in Enchi and Aowin in general.

“To confirm this, he has not even paid a visit to the palace nor has he even sent a sympathetic message to the Omanhene and the people of Aowin in spite of his numerous visits to Enchi. The chiefs and community leaders, which comprise former MPs and church leaders, are appalled by the actions and inactions of the Regional Minister, especially about his inexplicable silence despite the countless courtesy calls paid on him before and after the tragic incidents,” parts of the petition reads.

Based on this, the Chiefs want President Akufo-Addo to remove Hon. Richard Ebbah Obeng.

According to the concerned chiefs, the threat on the life of the Omanhene under the guise of chieftaincy disputes is real but he has not received the protection that he requires.

“We are sending this petition to your office, Mr President, because we know you will ensure that security is maintained in Enchi in particular, and Aowin in general. We believe that the crimes of the perpetrators against the Omanhene and his family will be fully investigated and the law made to take its course. We also trust that the life of the Omanhene, his family and his chiefs will be given the necessary protection,” parts of the petition to the Presidency read.

The Chiefs in their appeal have called on President Akufo-Addo to investigate the inactive and odd behaviour of the Western North Regional Minister, Hon. Richard Obeng.

They alleged that they see him as a Regional Minister who does not see Aowin as part of his jurisdiction and therefore does not work in the interest, development, and peace of the Aowin Municipality.

“Respectfully, we would like that all matters pertaining to the insecurity of Aowin Traditional Area occasioned by the various plots to murder the Omanhene of Aowin Traditional Area and all linked cases transferred to the National Police Headquarters for full and impartial investigation to be conducted and all the perpetrators brought to book irrespective of their political affiliations,” the petition concludes.