We're all spending - Osafo-Maafo on NPP race

Speaking yesterday afternoon on Kwami Sefa Kayi's special interview segment for the presidential aspirants, Yaw Osafo-Maafo said people are exaggerating the influence of money on delegates.

The choice is for a candidate with the ability to perform and not simply the capacity to spend a lot of campaign money.

"The NPP delegates can be trusted to choose the best candidate who has served the party well, who can win and who can perform once elected as President.”

On the issue of cash influence, the former Finance Minister, who is seen as among the top five candidates, said on Peace FM that the New Patriotic Party delegates will not choose a candidate who may end up embarrassing them in the Presidency. “They will look at your record and vote. Not who's paying most.”

The MP for Akyem Oda stated, “We’re all spending.” Though, some may be spending more than others, “But, that won’t be the final determinant.”

He stressed, “Delegates want NPP to remain in power. Delegates want a candidate who can attract the floating voters required to win the presidential elections.”

Mr Osafo-Maafo, who was at his persuasive best, with his usual erudite eloquence and deep grasp of issues, said the choice is for a candidate “who can perform. Who can give Ghana strong leadership and accelerate the development.”

He said he was confident that his party’s delegates "will not make a mistake." On his relationship with President John Agyekum Kufuor, the aspirant simply said, "It’s fine." He ventured to add that even marriages suffer the occasional strain. But, he was confident that the President remains "father to all of us."

The host referred the aspirant to his removal from government in April 2006, though he was considered to be a big star in the Kufuor Cabinet. Mr Osafo-Maafo referred Mr Sefa Kayi to the response given by President Kufuor at the NPP Koforidua conference in January, where he apparently said he was the executive President with the prerogative of a football coach who can choose to substitute a striker who had just scored an important goal.

On the question of alliance, "It’s not in mind," Mr Osafo-Maafo said. He, however, added that he was open to other aspirants who wish to join him.