At least 58 chiefs of the Asanteman Traditional Council have thrown their support behind the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, barely 47 days to the presidential polls.

Senior traditional leader in the Region, Nana Yaw Owusu who also doubles as the Mpaboahene of Otumfuor Osei Tutu made this declaration on behalf of his colleagues, Wednesday.

Addressing a gathering of chiefs and supporters of the NPP, the respected chief said even though the Constitution bars them from engaging in active politics, their ability to comment on political developments has not been curtailed.

He told the audience the Ashanti Region has been victimized by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in terms of development projects because of the massive support the NPP enjoys in the Region, adding they are not deterred.

Section of the chiefs during the meeting with the NPP leader, Akufo-Addo

'If you will vote for the NPP again in this year’s election, clap your hands for the party', he told the gathered chiefs in Twi and they responded with a thunderous applause.

Related Article: Asantehene: Chiefs should not meddle in partisan politics

The open declaration of support for the NPP leader by the chiefs comes at a time when Ghanaians have expressed their disappointment in traditional leaders who align themselves to political parties.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II had cautioned his sub-chiefs in April to desist from declaring support for political parties ahead of the December election.

Commemorating the 17^th anniversary of his kingship, the respected traditional leader in Africa said he would visit sanctions on chiefs who go out of their way to pledge allegiance to any political party.

NPP leader, Akufo-Addo addressing party supporters in the Ashanti Region

Senior journalist, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako who had shown disgust about the development told an Accra-based Peace FM in April that chiefs who endorse presidential aspirants are “unwise.”

Related Article: Chiefs who endorse presidents are not wise – Baako

“These chiefs go out there and cannot just commend government for the projects they have embarked on which are benefiting their people, but proceed beyond that to endorse them. It is irritating,” he said.

A newly enskinned chief of Salaga in the Northern Region came under attack by residents for openly declaring support for the Mr Akufo-Addo on September 1 when the presidential candidate paid a courtesy call on him.

He said when he looked into the “crystal ball, I can see victory for the NPP. I want to assure you that I am still a friend, and you can always depend on me. As I said, if God wants to do something, He begins from one. He has done it for me, and He will do it for you.”

Related Article: Salaga residents criticise new chief’s endorsement of Akufo-Addo

Some political commentators have described the announcement by the chiefs as a major boost for the NPP leader as he works to unseat President John Mahama.

Some political commentators have described the announcement by the chiefs as a major boost for the NPP leader as he works to unseat President John Mahama.

Mr Akufo-Addo and his running mate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia have continued to mount pressure on government accusing it of mismanaging the Ghanaian economy.

The NPP vice presidential candidate, who is also a former Deputy Governor of Bank, has blamed President Mahama for adding 60 percent of debt to Ghana’s debt stock.

But with the nation nearing the December 7 general election, the two leading parties have gone to the strongholds raining attacks on each other.

President Mahama is in the Volta Region representing the second time he has been in the region as he kicked started his campaign for re-election.

He has promised to complete the construction of the Eastern Corridor Road funded by the European Union by the end of his second term. He described his critics as wicked liars for peddling "untruth" that his government has not sited any development project in the Volta Region.

Citing expansion of access to education at both the basic and secondary level, the completion of the University of Allied Health situated in Ho, many road projects, the Asogli Plant, and plans to construct the Ho Airport, he said his performance cannot be described as meagre. He urged residents to reject "falsehood" from his political opponents.

The NPP leader is also in the Ashanti Region entreating residents to vote out the NDC party. Addressing party supporters on Wednesday, Mr Akufo-Addo pleaded with the people to give him the leadership of the country.

‘I am begging Ghanaians to give me the opportunity for things to go on well. When you are voting do that massively leaving no doubt that I won the election. Carry me and let me be there,’ he said in Twi to the people.