Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin has strongly denounced a circulating document titled “Agyapadie,” which features his image and purports to outline a strategy for the Akyem people to dominate Ghana’s economy.
The King of Akyem Abuakwa asserts that this document is part of a long-standing hate campaign against the Ofori Panin household and Okyeman.
During a meeting of the Akyem Abuakwa State Council, Okyenhene urged his people and Ghanaians to disregard the “Agyapadie” document. He questioned the sanity of anyone who would create such a plan and use his image on the cover. He emphasized that the Ofori Panin Fie has always been prominent and hasn’t done anything extraordinary in recent years to warrant accusations of self-elevation.
Okyenhene highlighted that the Eastern Region had more representation in former President Kufuor’s cabinet than in Akufo-Addo’s, suggesting that the controversy aims to stir animosity towards the Akyem people.
He referenced similar instances of disinformation campaigns in the past, including during the period of J.B. Danquah and the 2016 election, when a document known as the “Akyem Project” circulated to undermine Nana Akufo-Addo’s electoral efforts.
“We saw this during the period of J.B Danquah and we’re seeing this now. In and around October 2016, about a few months before the election, the same document known as the ‘Akyem Project’ was in circulation. The focus of that was to fan hatred between Okyeman and Asanteman to undermine the electoral efforts of Nana Akufo-Addo.
“Unfortunately for them, it came too late to the election. This diabolic plan was revised in 2019. In the year 2020 when the Agyapa business became a political issue, the book suddenly metamorphosed into ‘Agyapadie’.
Okyenhene also pointed out that many kingdoms have seen significant development over the years, and it is unjust to single out Okyeman for criticism when the government brings development to the area. Addressing rumors about his wealth, he humorously noted that being regarded as the richest chief in Ghana should be received positively.
In his statement, Okyenhene stressed, “many kingdoms have seen greater development over the years, but some people always have issues whenever the government decides to bring development to Okyeman. I have heard things in recent times. The funniest of it is that I am the richest chief in Ghana. I mean how? Anyway, when anyone regards you as a rich person, you must receive it. I receive it.”
The Okyenhene’s remarks reflect his frustration with ongoing efforts to undermine the reputation of his household and the Akyem people, urging the public to see through these tactics and focus on the positive developments in Okyeman.
