Ofosu Ampofo's Arrest: Government testing the pulse of NDC - Kofi-Buah

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ellembelle in the Western Region, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, has questioned the rationale behind persistent harassment of national chairman of opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The arrest of Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, the opposition national chairman which was in connection with kidnappings in the country as explained by security officials, gave virtually all members of the largest opposition (NDC) sleepless night on Tuesday. He was subsequently granted bail and due to honour another invitation on Thursday, June 13, 2019.

A statement from the police said: “The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is investigating various acts of kidnapping and causing unlawful damage in which credible and actionable intelligence makes Mr. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), a suspect.”

The NDC chair, according to reports, was taken to his home for a search as part of investigations into kidnapping allegations against him.

He was visiting heroes of the party with the General Secretary when he was arrested. The arrest comes weeks after Mr. Ofosu Ampofo refused to honour an invitation by the Police CID to report at the headquarters of the investigative body.

Information indicates he was picked up at the home of another kingpin of the party. Following his arrest, members of the party reportedly massed up at the Police headquarters to demand his release.

The NDC chair has allegedly been accused by a suspect according to the security of kidnapping case as the mastermind of the crime.

Reacting to these developments and the subsequent arrest of the National Chairman, the former Minister for Petroleum, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah said the incessant harassment of Samuel Ofosu Ampofo by government could only amount to intimidation tactics deliberately calculated, and being executed to tame the leader of the NDC but that clandestine agenda will backfire.

"The continued harassment of the NDC party Chairman reached an unacceptable stage last night (11-6-19) when the Chairman was once again arrested and detained deep into the night", he said.

"I began to wonder what the end game was, what exactly is the objective, is this intended to criminalize the Chairman and in turn the party", he questioned?

The lawmaker expressed worry that perhaps the government was not concerned about the security repercussions these harassments could cause the nation "What about the security implications", he asked?

According to Kofi-Buah, any attempt to push the NDC to the brinks of retaliation could plunge this country into total chaos which obviously must be avoided.

"Has anybody thought about the power of the largest opposition party and its ability to bring this country to its knees. What exactly has the Chairman done. Has anybody weighed his so called charges(trumped up) against the price we can possibly pay as a country"? he questioned again.

He, therefore, advised government and especially security agencies to consider the sustained peace and tranquility being enjoyed in the country and desist from acts likely to jeopardize the peace of Ghanaians.

He concluded that "The peace and stability of our dear country is priceless- this must guide the actions of those who have the privilege to exercise power on behalf of the good people of Ghana".