Otumfuo’s Manwerehene outlines plans as he vies for council of state membership

Baffour Osei Hyiaman Bretuo VI[/caption] Otumfuo’s Manwerehene, Baffour Osei Hyiaman Bretuo VI, has put himself forward to compete in the council of state election in the Ashanti Region. He is among the over 20 people in the Region who have filed to contest in the election which comes off on February 16 in Kumasi, the regional capital. Other renowned personalities contesting to represent the Ashanti region on the council of state include chiefs and political figures. The bid of Baffour Osei Hyiaman Bretuo VI, Otumfuo’s Manwerehene, to represent the Ashanti Region on the council of state has received massive boost few days to the polls. This follows the decision of the Manhyia Palace, the official seat of the Asantehene , Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to openly declare its support for Manwerehene , who has been described as very competent and knowledgeable. A medical practitioner by profession, Baffour Hyiaman Bretuo VI is a traditional ruler and special aide to the Asantehene. The head of the Manwere Division of the Kumasi Traditional council is also the managing editor of the new Nation Times newspaper. He is asStaunch Catholic, Knighted to the rank of Past Grand Knight [PGK] of the Noble Order of the ‘’Knights and Ladies of Marshall’’ council 3 in kumasi. Scores of prominent Asanteman chiefs and key officials at the Manhyia Palace, including the Asantehene’s personal secretary, Kofi Owusu Boateng, have urged the electoral college to vote massively for Manwerehene. Interacting with 3news.com, Mr Kofi Owusu Boateng, said Manwerehene has credible academic credentials, and has been a visionary and development–oriented since he was enstooled 20 years ago. The Asantehene’s personal secretary and other chiefs stated that the Manwerehene would ably represent the Ashanti Region on the council of state. They were of the view that Manwerehene would appropriately advise President Akufo-Addo to ensure the socio-economic development of the country. Other chiefs that have endorsed him include paramount chief of Tepa, Nana Adusei Atwereoana, Nana Kwaku Okyere Abebio, chief of Okyerekrom, Nana Boadi Tawiah, and chief of Atwima Darko. Meanwhile some contestants including the assemblyman for Ahodwo electoral area, Abraham Boadi, as well as Dennis Kwakwa, the paramount chief of chief Tepa, Nana Adusei Atwereoana among others have withdrawn from the race to support Manwerehene. In an interview with 3news.com, Manwerehene, Baffour Osei Hyiaman Bretuo VI, stated that, when elected, he would support the president to enhance the country’s transformation. He pointed out that development in the Ashanti Region, which had retarded for some time now, would be key on his agenda, adding that he would also support the president to carry out his developmental agenda for the entire country. He said should he get the opportunity to represent the region on the council of state, he would use his influence to promote the Ashanti Region as a veritable destination for investment and holiday. He is also looking forward to executing a Manhyia Palace idea of creating a modern Kumasi City, which he says will factor into president Akufo-Addo’s one district one factory project to create jobs. By Benjamin Aidoo |3news.com]]>