The Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has dismissed a document circulating with his image titled “Agyapadeɛ” as a complete fabrication, designed by those intent on stirring animosity against the Ofori Panin household and Okyeman.
This document, which claims to outline a strategy for elevating Akyem people in Ghana’s economy, has recently gained attention in various media outlets.
At a meeting of the Akyem Abuakwa State Council over the weekend, Okyenhene urged his kinsmen and all Ghanaians to disregard the book.
He questioned the logic of anyone creating such a document and using his image as its cover.
“We saw this during the period of J.B. Danquah, and we’re seeing this now,” he remarked.
He recounted that a similar document, known as the ‘Akyem Project,’ surfaced in October 2016, allegedly to incite discord between Okyeman and Asanteman and to undermine Nana Akufo-Addo’s electoral campaign.
This “diabolic plan,” as he described it, reappeared in 2019 and evolved into ‘Agyapadeɛ’ during the political debate over the Agyapa deal in 2020.
Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin emphasized that the prominence of the Ofori Panin Fie predates Akufo-Addo and has not changed significantly over the past 25 years.
He noted that the Eastern Region had more representation in former President John Agyekum Kufuor’s cabinet than under Akufo-Addo, dismissing claims of favouritism toward the Akyem people.
He stressed that while many regions have experienced development, Okyeman often faces criticism whenever progress occurs.
Responding to rumours about his wealth, he humorously accepted being called the richest chief in Ghana stating, “When anyone regards you as a rich person, you must receive it. I receive it.”
The Okyenhene urged his people to defend the reputation of Okyeman against hate speech and lies.
He condemned those who deliberately undermine Okyeman’s image, asking, “Will they be comfortable if such palpable lies are said about them and their generation?”
Osagyefuo emphasized that Okyeman has been great since its inception and will continue to be great according to God’s will.
He noted that, although some prominent Akyem natives have spent much of their careers in Ghana’s public service, their contributions to the development of Okyeman have been minimal.
He encouraged his kinsmen to stand up and defend the name of Okyeman at all levels against hate speech and falsehoods designed to create disaffection.