It's not a crime to seek funds from NDC for my party - Odike

Founder of the United People’s Party (UPP), Akwasi Addae a.k.a Odike, has said he wouldn’t have committed any crime if he indeed tried to secure funds from the ruling National Democratic Congress to run his newly formed party.

He has been caught in a web of controversy after a secret audio tape recording revealed the Kumasi-based business tycoon trying to con the party’s Central Regional Chairman, one Gideon who has defected to rejoin.

Odike was also heard on the audio tape recording, a copy of which is in possession of Kasapafmonline.com, bragging and making wild allegations about his source of funding from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), a party he claims has been very loyal in financing all his activities.

“Gideon I have walked with you for so many years so I am pleading with you to rescind your decision and come back. I am only advising you because you are my younger brother. I don’t have any problem with you at all. Come and let us work together”.

“Do you think that John Mahama is dim-witted and will come and give you guys money when Odike is not part of the team? If you like go and bring the Pope on board the party, it will never work. I am the only one they know”.

“They’ve gone to Asiedu Nketia and others but it didn’t work. When the money is ready, I am the one that they will call. Tell Razak that enough is enough and come back”.

“Gideon, I like you so much so change your mind and come and let us work together. This is the time that we are going to make money so come on board. They will soon send us some money so go and tell them that you have rescinded your mind and come and let us work together”.

“They have not brought us any money. I swear to God. I can’t do that. You know that I, as your father, am a show boy when I have money. So come and let us work. Razak will not give you money so come back”.

However the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) Director of Communications, Nana Akomea addressing a press conference in Accra, condemned the NDC party for the frugal manner in which it spends state funds.

“We are in a country where we don’t have money to look after patients in the various hospitals, and yet the ruling party finds money to support the formation and campaign of another party. According to the tape the NDC is responsible for the establishment of Odike’s party. This is how the NDC is wasting Ghana’s money”.

But Odike in an interview with Kwaku Owusu Adjei on Si Me So on Kasapa FM questioned what wrong he had done seeking financial support from another party.

“What stops me as a political leader from going to another political leader to seek financial support to fund my party ahead of the November general elections when I’m not financially sound? NPP should rather go to Kuffour to seek advice on an effective strategy for the upcoming polls. They went to congress two years ago, till now they don’t have message for the upcoming elections. That should rather occupy their minds and not to dabble in unnecessary issues.