Mampong Akuapem Apesemakahene, Nana Yirenkyi I, has cautioned former Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Nana Ama Dokua Asiamah-Adjei, against seeking a return to Parliament in the constituency.
He questioned why the former MP, after leaving Akuapem North to contest in the Okaikoi North constituency, would want to return now that the political landscape had changed.
Speaking on the matter, Nana Yirenkyi said he had received reports suggesting that the former MP was considering contesting the Akuapem North parliamentary seat again.
He described the situation as an attempt to treat the constituency’s parliamentary representation like a game, insisting that Akuapem North was not a Premier League competition where politicians could leave and return at will.
“You were an MP and a Deputy Minister. You left here to contest in Okaikoi North. Why are we playing Premier League with Akuapem North?” he questioned.
The Apesemakahene also praised the incumbent MP, Lawyer Sammi Awuku, for what he described as his strong performance within his first two years in Parliament.
He cited the MP’s engagement with constituents, support for the Ofie Market, road interventions and assistance with the payment of school fees as some of the initiatives demonstrating his commitment to the constituency.
Nana Yirenkyi contrasted Awuku’s approach with that of the former MP, arguing that despite representing Akuapem North for eight years, she was not sufficiently visible during traditional festivals and other community activities.
According to him, Awuku had made deliberate efforts to participate in festival celebrations and other important activities across the constituency, demonstrating a closer relationship with the people.
He further argued that the former MP should not assume that financial inducements or campaign spending would automatically secure her return to Parliament.
The traditional leader alleged that reports of her intention to spend money to win political support would not necessarily translate into electoral success.
He maintained that the people of Akuapem North were politically discerning and would not exchange their votes for financial inducements.
“Even if we allow her to do her own album, they won’t vote for her. Akuapem people are very smart. They will take the money and vote against her,” he said.
Nana Yirenkyi questioned the political rationale behind the reported comeback attempt, arguing that the former MP had voluntarily left the constituency for another parliamentary contest and should not expect to return simply because circumstances had changed.
He maintained that the incumbent MP’s performance and connection with constituents should be considered in any assessment of the constituency’s parliamentary representation.
His comments come amid political discussions over the future representation of Akuapem North, with the Apesemakahene making a strong case for continuity under the current MP.
