Don’t underrate the NPP tradition - Obiri Boahen

Deputy General Secretary of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Obiri Boahen has disagreed with a report by the Daily Graphic that the unity in the NPP is undermined due to the alleged tape involving the Northern Regional Chairman, Daniel Bugri Naabu.

According to the former Brong Ahafo Regional Chairman, his assessment of the comments made by some members of NPP especially Nana Ohene Ntow indicates there is hatred in them as none has officially per the party’s constitution made a complaint to the disciplinary committee.

He believes this internal bickering is not enough reason for the Daily Graphic to draw a conclusion that the unity in the New Patriotic Party is undermined.

“Look, let me be honest with you, NPP with the crop if its MP’s, National executives, Flagbearer, his Running Mate and Regional executives, if they all resign today, NPP will go on and it will grow from thousand folds to million folds; people should not underrate the party [NPP]. As long as the spirits of Dankwa, Busia, Domo Tradition, Obetsebi and Aliu Mahama exist, it will never happen...if you will underrate any party’s tradition, it is not the NPP. Ghanaians should think of the “Dumsor, Dumsor” [erratic power supply] and not the unity of the NPP and even if the unity is undermined, we know how to resolve it at home,” he assured.

Speaking on Okay FM’s "Ade Akye Abia" Morning Show, Nana Obiri Boahen said that he agrees with those calling for investigation into the alleged tape involving Daniel Bugri Naabu but quickly implored his colleague executive to establish the person behind the complaint, as well as the linkage of the tape to the public.

Without defending the Northern Regional Chairman of NPP, the Deputy General Secretary quizzed the intention of the person who released the tape to the public; insisting that the case should be handled by the disciplinary committee after a formal complaint is established.

“….but who is going to investigate the case? Though investigation is necessary to ascertain the voice behind the tape, is it meant for public consumption? Can we just rise up to investigate the tape without formal complaint? NPP has a constitution, and we must follow it...if Bugri Naabu says the tape is doctored, why do you draw conclusion that the voice in the tape is his?”, he quizzed.

He however was resolute that Nana Ohene Ntow does not have the interest of the NPP at heart, judging from the way he has been speaking during and after the Presidential campaign; thus he is disappointed in Ohene Ntow for his prejudicial statement as investigations has not been concluded.

He further disagreed with the First Vice Chairman, Hon. Freddie Blay that the alleged tape should be swept under the carpet as his suggestion can encourage more defiant behaviors in the party in the future.