The Okyeman Youth Association in the Eastern Region has commended the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin for strengthening discipline in the Okyeman Traditional area.

According to the Association, they are displeased with the uncustomary conduct of Prof. Apori, the former chief of Hemang for not responding to the call of Okyenhene and the leadership of the Ofori Panin Fie to resolve whatever matter that was at stake thereby resulting in his destoolment.

In a joint statement issued and signed by Archibald Ntiri-Acquah Gyasi, Chairman of the group, said they have been following with keen interest recent unfolding issues concerning the destoolment of the chief of Hemang, Osabarima Prof. Mirikisi Apori Atta and the position taken by some youth and elements within the Hemang township of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Kingdom.

They explained that ‘’the former chief ought to have known better and the words of his oath of office required him to revere the occupant of the great Ofori Panin Stool with all humility and submission’’.

They condemned the act of impunity and disrespect on the part of Prof. Apori Atta and hope that this demonstration of unguided impudence is never repeated in the Kingdom.

They further called on the youth of Hemang and any other youth groupings within the traditional area meddling in the substantive matters at stake to desist from it and to allow customs and traditions to take their course as far as these matters are a concern.

The statement added that ‘’OYA again, is of the firm belief that the leadership and institutions of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council is more than capable of resolving matters of such nature and therefore call upon Prof. Apori to firstly show remorse and apologize unreservedly to Okyenhene, the Okyehemaa, the Okyeman State Council and the entire Akyem Abuakwa Kingdom for this regrettable showcase of effrontery’’.

‘’This is indeed necessary if a healing process is to commence for the good of all parties involved and the Kingdom at large’’ the statement stated.

The group, however, congratulate the Okyenhene who doubles as the President of the Regional House of Chiefs for this bold, decisive and laudable approach towards strengthening and maintaining discipline and respect for customs and traditions within the Kingdom.

‘’ This is indeed a clarion call on all and sundry within the Kingdom that our customs and traditions are supreme and hence there is the urgent need to respect, uphold and abide by them. It is our prayer that the Almighty God will continue to grant him the wisdom and will power needed to play his Overlord role and in bringing progress and development to Okyeman and Ghana in general’’ the statement underscored.