NADMO distributing relief items on partisan lines - MP alleges

New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament for Ayawaso Central, Henry Quartey, has alleged that relief items for affected victims of the flood and fire disaster in his constituency are being distributed along party lines.

Speaking on TV3's New Day on Thursday, the MP expressed his disgust at the development and said the disaster must be viewed from a national perspective.

"What's happening with the distribution of relief items is that, in my constituency I have had several calls from people telling me that in some of the areas where the distribution is being done, some known NDC people in the area are leading the NADMO officials and wherever they get to, they point individuals who are party members and those who are not to receive the items. This is a natural and a national disaster. Relief items are taxpayers' money and donations from people so as a matter of urgency they should try not to do politics in the distribution of relief items. That's what happening in my constituency and I can say this on authority," the soft-spoken MP said.

But a member of the NDC's communication team on the programme, George Spencer-Quaye, rubbished the claim as rather partisan and called on the MP to apologize.

But the MP did not take his comment lightly and found it offensive. He warned the young NDC representative not to disrespect him.

"I will not allow you to do the things you do on this set. I am saying this is happening in my constituency and I have people who are ready to testify. You are not in my constituency so if you don't know about it don't comment on it" the MP replied angrily.

The distribution of items along partisan lines in times of national disasters have always come up in Ghana and is not the reserve of one party; but parties have often denied the claims.

Political watchers say the practice in reality occurs considering the polarized and divisive nature of politics in Ghana.