I’m not lobbying for Konkombas – Bugri Naabu

The Northern Regional Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Abdul-Fatawu Bugri Naabu, has debunked allegations that he is pushing for a Konkomba to be appointed as Deputy Northern Regional Minister.

He said as far as he was aware, no Kokomba had expressed interest in taking up that office.

Mr Naabu, himself a Kokomba, said claims that he was playing the ethnic card by lobbying for his tribesmen to be offered appointments in government were not true and must be discarded.

His reaction follows a media report which suggested deep cracks were emerging in the NPP in the Northern Region over alleged favouritism with regards to ministerial appointments.

However, Mr Naabu said such reports could prepare the minds of some supporters of the party to agitate against some appointments.

“They are talking about me, the regional chairman, being a Konkomba and trying to play tribalism. But number one, no Konkomba wants any regional minister or deputy or any position,” he told Class News in an interview.

“Yes, along the way, the vice president mentioned that we should bring a Konkomba to be a deputy minister, but I told him no. I’m there as the regional chairman, Nitiwul is there as the Minister of Defence, and he, the vice-president, is there.

I think Konkomba and Mamprusi, we are OK, I told the vice-president that… So, why [should this] Konkomba tribalism come in at this point?”