The Apinto Royal Family has petitioned the NDC’s National Executive Committee to disqualify Western Regional Chairman Nana Kwabena Obo II, citing his status as a chief.
The petition, dated October 28, 2026, also challenges his candidature in the forthcoming NDC Western Regional Chairmanship Election.
It was filed by the Head of Family, Ebusuapanyin Kweku Oduro, and family members Mr. Martin Anane and Madam Regina Adjei, all of the Apinto Traditional Area in Wassa Fiase, Western Region.
The petitioners say Nana Kwabena Obo II, known in private life as Kojo Achempong, also called Nana Toku, is the Akyeamehene of Apinto.
They allege he was enstooled on 28th September 2006, succeeding the late Nana Kwasi Akwaw II. They also say he is listed in the National Register of Chiefs, Western Region, under Serial Number 1135, and have attached a certified extract as an exhibit.
According to the petition, he has remained active in NDC politics despite that status. He is the party’s Western Regional Chairman and is seeking another term.
The petition rests on Article 276(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which states: “A chief shall not take part in active party politics; and any chief wishing to do so and seeking election to Parliament shall abdicate his stool or skin.”
The petitioners argue the provision protects the dignity, impartiality and neutrality of chieftaincy. They also cite Article 270(1), on the constitutional protection of chieftaincy, and Article 277, which defines a chief.
They acknowledge that the express abdication requirement applies to a chief seeking election to Parliament. They say they are not stretching the provision beyond its wording, only drawing NEC’s attention to the implications of a chief’s continued partisan activity.
They want NEC to investigate his status and disqualify him from the chairmanship contest while he remains a chief. They also ask for his removal from office if NEC finds his position inconsistent with Article 276(1), subject to due process. Other requests include interim measures to stop the election from concluding before the question is settled, verification of his traditional status, and written reasons for NEC’s decision.
The petitioners ask that he be notified and given a reasonable chance to respond, and that the matter be treated as urgent. They say they are acting to uphold the Constitution, preserve the sanctity of the Apinto Stool and protect the integrity of the NDC’s internal elections, not to undermine chieftaincy or anyone’s political rights.
Copies went to the NDC National Chairman, the National General Secretary, the Minister responsible for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and the Presidents of the National House of Chiefs and the Western Regional House of Chiefs. The allegations have not been tested, and no response from Nana Kwabena Obo II was included in the petition.
Contributor: Emmanuel Bekoe
