I can’t insult the people of Ashaiman – Napo

Member of Parliament (MP) for Manhyia South Constituency, Dr Mathew Opoku-Prempeh, has brushed aside claims that he described Hon. Alfred Agbesi and his constituents as gutter dwellers.

Recent media reports say Dr Opoku-Prempeh, otherwise known as Napo used those unprintable words at the Ashaiman legislator during a heated exchange on the floor of Parliament between the two on July 5, 2013.


Hon. Agbesi, according to reports, described Napo as “undisciplined and disrespectful” – a situation which led to Napo using those offensive words at him.


Subsequently, the queenmothers and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) members in Ashaiman, held a news conference, urging Opoku-Prempeh to retract his statements and render an apology to the people of Ashaiman.


However, Napo in a press statement issued in Accra today insisted that his utterances were not intended to denigrate residents of the Ashaiman municipality, as it has been made to believe.


The statement stressed: “This should also inform the residents of the area that they have been misled by persons with sinister motives to cause disaffection to Parliament and my humble self. Below is the full statement of Dr Mathew Opoku-Prempeh (MP for Manhyia South Constituency)

RESPONSE TO PRESS STATEMENT FROM QUEENMOTHERS AND OTHERS IN ASHIAMAN


Ladies and gentlemen, of the Press, I have called you here to clear the air about an issue, on which certain persons and the NDC in Ashaiman Municipality have expressed an opinion.


The business that is transacted in Parliament is recorded in the official report (HANSARD, fourth series, and volume 82, No.24) dated 5th July, 2013, which is an official document available to the public. One has to cross-check before proceeding to scandalize Parliament or libel an MP.


I would like to state categorically that, I have never described the ASHAIMAN or the PEOPLE living there as living in a GUTTER. A cursory check with the HANSARD of the 5th July, 2013 would have revealed what I said.


I would also like to state that ASHAIMAN was not used at all in the exchanges that occurred between the honourable MP for Ashaiman and myself. I am aware that the honourable MP for Ashaiman has subsequently apologized for words he used that may have occasioned the heat. I accept it in good faith.

This should also inform the residents of the area that they have been misled by persons with sinister motives to cause disaffection to Parliament and my humble self.


The HANSARD provides adequate information on this issue and I hope the good people will have sufficient information. There is no need to prolong this matter to satisfy the mischievous intent of propagandists.


I have taken pains to offer this explanation in the interest of transparency and accountability. It is my humble prayer that the respected Queen mothers and others who entered the fray would accordingly take a cue.


I thank you for your attention.