Afoko's disqualification is ill-timed - Rashid Pelpuo

Member of Parliament for Wa central and minister in- charge of private sector development, Hon. Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, has questioned the rationale behind the NPP vetting committee's decision to disqualify Paul Afoko as a contestant for the party's General Secretary position.

The NPP Director of elections, Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah, said the vetting committee has decided to put Mr. Paul Afoko on hold in order to deliberate on a petition against him by some anonymous persons.

However, media reports suggest Mr. Afoko has been disqualified.

Hon. Rashid Pelpuo, speaking on Joy FM's Newsfile, expressed worry and challenged the basis for Mr. Afoko's disqualification.

" I know Mr. Afoko, and what he has done for the NPP during Kufuor's time, as a northerner, he has worried us on many campaign platforms; so why didn't they disqualify him at that time, were they not aware of what they are now alleging?" The minister inquired.

The MP believes the NPP will suffer significantly if the case is not handled properly.

Hon. Seth Kwame Acheampong, MP for Mpraeso, nonetheless maintained that Mr. Paul Afoko has not been disqualified and that the committee is only acting in accordance with party constitution.

However, he appealed to the committee to make a thorough investigation of the petition having in mind the serious ramifications it may bring to the party to take an uninformed decision.

Meanwhile, the Party has disqualified Fred Amankwah Sarfo, Hajia Fatimah and Philomena Serwaah Akoto (who were all vying for the vice chairmanship position), Kamal Abdulai (who was contesting for Nasara coordinator) and one person whose name has been withheld. These people have until Monday Feb, 17 to appeal against the decision of the committee.