President of the Okyeman Youth Association, Archibald Gyasi, has jumped to the defense of Okyehene over his ‘witches and wizard’ comment, saying that the chief has been misconstrued.
According to Archibald, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori-Panyin’s comment was not directed at critics of Akufo-Addo, but at the behaviour of the youth in Ghana who are always denigrating the elderly.
Speaking to Kwaku Dawuro on Movement in the morning show on Wontumi Radio/Movement TV, he said “Okyehene never said you don’t have to criticize the Government nor have a proper constructive criticism against any leader, No, he has never said that- but to speak ill about the entire Okyeman nor sit on radio and TV to describe all indigenes of Okyeman as ‘SAKAWA’ or Insulting a King like Otumfuo Osei Tutu among others is what the Chief spoke vehemently against.
“He never directed that at people who are insulting the President. He spoke against the habit of the youth insulting the elderly and must be stopped. So, the argument isn’t that you cannot criticize- because he even criticized the leaders”, he stressed.
“We will therefore plead with Ghanaians, all that the astute King wanted to say is that you have the right to criticize but not direct insults. if we are not careful, that is what will break our front as a republic country”, he concluded.