NPP grills Afoko in cross-examination over Crabbe’s case

The suspended National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Paul Afoko came under a baptism of fire and intense pressure in court today when he was cross-examined by counsel for NPP, Godfred Yeboah Dame in a case in which second Vice Chairman Sammy Crabbe is challenging his suspension.

Godfred Dame asked the suspended Chairman whether he has ever held any position in the National Executive Committee or Steering Committee to which Afoko answered that he’s rather served on the NPP National Council.

The NPP lawyer suggested to Afoko that it is not true that he’s served on the National Council, and challenged him to prove who appointed him.

Afoko replied that he represented the Upper East Region on the National Council from 2010 to 2014 and was appointed by the then Chairperson, Agnes Chigabatia.

Lawyer Dame put it to Afoko that the NPP constitution was amended in 2009 and there’s no place for regional reps on the National Council, following which Afoko replied that he has an appointment letter to that effect.

Kasapa FM’s Court correspondent, Daakyehene Ofosu Agyeman reported that Paul Afoko got infuriated when Lawyer Dame asked him if he was present during the meeting that suspended the second vice chairperson, Sammy Crabbe.

A furious Afoko then replied that, that meeting was unconstitutional adding that he should have been copied for him to chair that meeting.

The Judge, Dennis Agyei adjourned the case to 10th may for continuation of the cross examination.

Mr. Crabbe is in court challenging his suspension by the disciplinary committee of the Danquah-Busia-Dombo tradition. He argues that some of the members of the committee who voted is support of his suspension are not legitimate members of the committee.

The NPP internal crisis got to a head late last year leading to the suspension of some executives including the general secretary and Chairman over acts the party said would negatively affect the party’s electoral fortunes.