Ashanti regional minister denies rift

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Sarpong, has denied that there is a rift between him and some party officials and appointees in the region.

He said it is not true that the relationship between him and his deputy, Mr Joseph Yamin, the Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Mr Kojo Bonsu and the Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Yaw Owusu Obimpeh, had soured.

This was contained in a press statement signed by his Public Relations Officer, Clement C. Kegeri.

It is a reaction to public pronouncement by a group calling itself “Coalition of NDC Foot Soldiers”. which sought to create the impression that there is bad blood between Mr Sarpong and the trio.

The group, led by one Ben Abdalla, lashed out at the three officials in a Kumasi-based radio station.

Mr Sarpong, however, disassociated himself from their vile attacks and stated categorically that he had no links with the group.

He said he did not know of the existence of the group and disapproved of its activities, especially, when there was every indication that it could create cracks in the party.

The Regional Minister demanded that Abdalla and his group render unqualified apology to the officials.

Also, he urged the Regional Executive of the NDC to set up a Disciplinary Committee to deal with aberrant party members out there who were creating confusion.