Family and Friends Govt: Akufo-Addo has committed no crime - Allotey Jacobs defends

A Leading member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Allotey Jacobs has dismissed accusations of nepotism against President Akufo-Addo, arguing that appointing relatives into government is an age-old practice and that he has committed no crime.

The former Central Regional Chairman of the NDC has advised his party’s national leadership to instead focus convincing grassroots voters by engaging in house-to-house campaigns.

Speaking on Peace FM’s ‘Kokrokoo’ show, Mr Jacobs noted that it is needless to hold Akufo-Addo for nepotism given that is an ever-present feature of government even in biblical times such as during the reign of King David.

“…it(nepotism) is in the Bible. David was surrounded by his brothers and nephews, ..the Commander of Israel Army was a nephew of David. If you go to the line of Moses, Moses’ elder brother was a high priest and his sister was a prophetess. There’s no politician in this country who will deny his family members employment opportunities after helping him to win power,” he explained.

The NDC through its National Communication Officer accused the New Patriotic Party(NPP) government led by President Akufo-Addo of nepotism in a press conference yesterday, singling out the President as the most nepotistic President Ghana has ever had.

The NDC indicated that at least 51 persons related to a few people in government have been appointed into government.

It singled out the family members of the Executive Secretary to the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Mr Asante Bediatuo who have all found space at the eating table in Akufo-Addo’s government.

Nana Asante Bediatuo who is tagged ‘self-made rich man’ in law practice, he claimed is himself directly related to the President and has allegedly created space inside government for his father, mother, sister and brother to also ‘chop’ since his cousin became president.