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NPP in tatters

Wed, 27 May 2015 Source: The Catalyst Newspaper

Clearly, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is in tatters as a result of the aggravation of fierce factional hostilities within that party since its current leader, Nana Akufo-Addo, first emerged as its flagbearer in 2007, eventually culminating in the gruesome killing of the party’s Upper East regional chairman, the late Adams Mahama, by a barbaric act of acid bath last Thursday.

Calls for resignations- Akufo-Addo

A group identifying itself as ‘Save The NPP Now,’ is calling on Nana Akufo-Addo to resign as flagbearer of the party with immediate effect.

In a press release signed by one Baah Acheamfour, Director of Communications, the group said “The continuous stay of Nana Akufo-Addo as flagbearer of the party can only be inimical to the electoral fortunes of our party.”

According to the group, “…the senseless, brutal and inhumane acid attack on our Upper East Regional Chairman, Mr. Adams Mahama, which resulted in his untimely death in Bolgatanga” is part of a series of violent actions visited on party faithful by other members of the party since 2009.

This, the statement said did not happen under the leadership of former President John Agyekum Kufuor. “We recall that under the leadership of ex-President J.A. Kufour the party enjoyed relative peace and harmony. Even though there were disagreements and undercurrents in the party, just like any human institution, such issues were managed competently through responsible leadership overtures.”

“Since, Nana Akufo-Addo became the flagbearer of our party in 2007, many people who disagreed with his thoughts have been hounded, assaulted and maimed by supporters and security guards of the flagbearer. We can easily remember the assault on Nana Poku and Nana Kwame by body guards of Akufo-Addo. Atluk who is the special assistant to our National Chairman Paul Afoko was also attacked by the so called invisible forces in our party. As we speak, Nana Kwame is suffering from stroke as a result of the beatings he suffered.

“All the perpetrators of these heinous crimes have gone unpunished. It is amazing how a peaceful party handed over to Akufo-Addo by J. A. Kufuor could degenerate into chaos and anarchy at such an alarming rate. Our forebearers who toiled with their sweat and blood to establish our rich Danquah-Dombo-Busia tradition were strict adherents to freedom of speech, civil liberties and the rule of law.

“Nana Akufo-Addo has presided over so many acts of lawlessness and violence which were hitherto unknown to the party. At a time that the NDC government is recklessly managing the economy, the least the NPP can do is to present hope to Ghanaians who are looking up to the party to salvage them from the incompetence of the NDC.

“There is no doubt that Nana Akufo-Addo has failed to ensure peace and harmony in the party. The most decent thing for him to do at this critical moment in our party's history is to RESIGN honourably while the party is redirected unto the path of progress, peace, harmony and cohesion which is needed for victory in 2016.

“We also want to use this platform to send a note of caution to Sammy Awuku and Kennedy Agyapong that we are ready to meet them boot for boot at the party's national headquarters since they have determined to worsen matters,” the statement noted.

Calls for resignations- Afoko, Agyepong

A leading member of the NPP, Mr George Ayisi-Boateng, like many others, has also called for the resignation of the National Chairman of the NPP, Mr Paul Afoko and General Secretary, M Kwabena Agyepong in their own interest. The party gurus, from the Akufo-Addo faction, are linking the death of Mr Adams Mahama to the two national party executives.

Mr Ayisi- Boateng, who is a member of council of elders of the NPP, feels the continuous stay of the two will further worsen the divisions within the party.

‘Reject calls for Afoko, Agyepong resignations’

However, a another member of the NPP council of elders, Akenten Appiah-Menkah says the call on the two national executives to resign is misplaced.

According to him, they cannot resign on the basis of mere suspicions of having a hand in death of Mr Adams Mahama.

‘Mpiani, Kufuor behind Mahama’s murder’

As expected, maverick mouth shooting NPP member of Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong went wild after news broke about the acid bath killing of Mr Adams Mahama, as he accused former Chief of Staff, Kwadwo Mpiani and his “boss,” former President Kufuor, of being the masterminds behind the acid attack on the late regional chairman of the NPP.

“Because of Nana Addo, you will kill somebody...if the police do not deal with the matter well...because of what has happened, the NDC people are happy so they will cover it...Then Afoko can't go out. Kwabena Agyepong can't go out. ...I swear God. Nobody can stop us in the party. In that case we shall collapse the party...if no justice, no peace, I am telling you...Kwabena Agyepong will face the full riguors of the law. Afoko will face it...if they don't face it...you mark it on the wall. I am challenging them. Kwadwo Mpaini, I hope you are now satisfied that Adams is dead...yes, I am accusing them. They are behind it. Kwadwo Mpani, I hope you are satisfied...Kwabena Agyepong you are satisfied. Afoko you are satisfied. You will never have peace of mind. It won't work, I tell you. Kwabena Agyepong, who is he? Who is Afoko? I brought Kwabena Agyepong. I will show him we brought him...Kwadwo Mpaini and his boss, I have said it; nobody deserves to die in this party. We have helped them to come to power. They have made money which they are now using to kill people...Kwadwo Mpiani's bodyguard said he will kill me...I say we will fight...aaaahhhhh....Kwadwo Mpaini, you and your boss, you are satisfied. You have ruled...we are not afraid of anybody" Kennedy Agyapong ranted.

Mpiani to go to court?

Mr Mpiani has indicated he is in discussion with his lawyers as to the cause of action to take against Mr Kennedy Agyapong, for linking him to the death of the late Adams Mahama.

Afoko, Agyepong missing at Adams funeral

Messrs Afoko and Agyapong were conspicuously missing from the list of attendees of the funeral of the murdered NPP Upper East regional chairman in Bolgatanga on Saturday.

The flagbearer of the party Nana Akufo-Addo, Minority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensa-Bonsu and a host of other top party executives were all there.

Columnist: The Catalyst Newspaper