"Dr" Asemfofro Whisked Away

Dr Yaw Asemfofro, a local drug peddler, serial phone-in contributor and staunch defender of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) who caused a stir at the 7th People's Assembly programme at Sekondi by virtually hooting at the President, was whisked to safety by security personnel at the event.

Security personnel at the programme, who did not want a repetition of the Kintampo scenario barely a year ago, quickly whisked him into a Black Maria Van, not as a suspect or convict, but as part of a protective measure.

Keeping him under close watch, they drove him several kilometers away from the venue and made sure he safely joined a public transport that would transport him to his Achimota base in Accra.

The controversial traditionalist and social commentator was on Tuesday whisked away into the van to avoid a possible lynching from a section of the large crowd that was present at the event.

Asemfofro was among one of 53 people who had the opportunity to ask questions, but he seemed to have touched on the raw nerves of a section of the audience.

The 50-year-old native of Jumapo in the Eastern Region caused a stir when he insisted that he would ask more than one question, contrary to the directive that the each person was entitled to ask only one question.

He first asked President John Kufuor if he was prepared to hand over power to, say, the NDC?s Professor John Evans Atta-Mills, should the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) lose the December general elections.

After asking that question, he was asked to give chance to others to also ask their questions but refused to do so and his microphone had to be put off.

Since Asemfoforo would not budge and insisted he would not leave the queue, the President asked that he should be allowed to continue.

Given the rare opportunity to ask a second question, the serial caller asked President Kufuor to explain what he (Kufuor) allegedly said at Asamankese to the effect that he would not hand over power to evildoers.

He then went ahead to virtually hoot at the President, stressing that the statement was not a worthy one.

Responding, President Kufuor said the NPP government was law-abiding, and expressed its readiness to respect the true verdict of the December poll. He however reiterated that his government would not sit down for any group of people to use dubious means to takeover power.

Incidentally, just before asking his question, Asemfofro complained to the President that his life was threatened by someone in the crowd and pleaded for protection.

Asemfofro was the centre of several controversies, following series of alleged attempts on his life both in Accra and Kumasi, and particularly after every People?s Assembly.

For instance, on February 7, 2006, the local drug peddler, who was carried shoulder-high after delivering an eloquent speech at a rally to climax the first of the ?Wahala? demonstrations, came on air to say he was deserting the NDC because it failed to protect him from Hon. Kennedy Agyapong, Assin North MP, who he alleged threatened to kill him following his contribution at that year?s People?s Assembly in Cape Coast.

This was after he complained to the President that even though he had registered for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), he had to cough up a whopping ?19.2 million at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital when her wife was admitted there, claiming the NHIS was a farce.

He named Professor John Evans Atta-Mills, former Vice President and presidential aspirant; Victor Smith, Special Aide to the ex-President; Dr. Kwabena Adjei, National Chairman of the NDC; Asiedu Nketia, General Secretary; Ofosu Ampofo, National Organizer; Afriyie Ankrah, Deputy General Secretary; Alban Bagbin, Minority Leader in Parliament; and Ama Benyiwa Doe as some of the personalities that failed to bring their professions and positions to bear in terms of protecting him.

But less than one week after the claims, he ate his words and somersaulted by withdrawing his words.

One year later, in 2008, the serial caller claimed he was beaten after asking a question at a similar function at Sunyani in the Brong Ahafo Region.

The 7th People?s Assembly which was the last of President Kufuor?s administration was on the theme: ?Ghana After 50: Looking Into The Future With Hope?.