Some 58 chiefs of the Asanteman Traditional Council have endorsed the flagbearer of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akufo-Addo, as he began his four-day tour of the region on Wednesday, 19 October.

According to the chiefs, they have been denied developments under President John Mahama's administration because they have consistently remained loyal to the NPP and that nothing would stop them from doing same.

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Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Nana Owusu asked those 58 chiefs to clap if they really agreed with what he said and would vote for the NPP.

"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.

Nana Owusu added that though the constitution bars chiefs from engaging in partisan politics, they were not barred from casting their votes.

Nana Akufo-Addo expressed gratitude to the chiefs for their support and assured them of massive development if given the nod this December.

The open declaration of support for the NPP leader by the chiefs comes in spite of calls by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the Minister of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs, Dr. Seidu Daanaa for traditional rulers to refrain from endorsing presidential candidates ahead of elections.

Their calls seem to have fallen on deaf ears.