Minister parries charges

Accra - The Deputy Minister for Works and Housing, Hon. Alex Akuffo, has denied accusations that he is responsible for the current political crisis that has hit the NDC in the Akwapim North Constituency.

Speaking to the Ghanaian Chronicle in an interview at his office last Thursday, Mr. Alex Akuffo said he is aware that some NDC Members who supporte d his candidacy for the NDC ticket are opposed to the nomination of the District Chief Executive for Akwapim North, Mr. Anthony Gyampoh and have openly staged demonstrations to express their misgivings.

Mr. Alex Akuffo told the Chronicle that even though the demonstrations were brought to his notice, he is not remotely connected to it since he was informed by his supporters only after they had carried out those acts.

It will be recalled that following the nomination of Mr. Gyampoh as the NDC's Parliamentary candidate for Akwapim North, there have been series of demonstrations by some people who claim to be supporters of Mr. Akuffo, against the nomination.

One such demonstration nearly turned into a violent clash at Koforidua when police re-enforcementhad to be called in to stop the demonstrations.

After the Koforidua incident, a similar demonstration was staged at Akropong by the same group against Gyampoh, who has been the DCE for the area for the last six years.

Some party executives are blaming Mr. Alex Akuffo for orchestrating the political tension in the area to have the DCE's nomination withdrawn.

But Hon. Alex Akuffo dismissed this claim, saying he would never stoop so low for such political intrigues.

The Deputy Minister stated that a little over a year ago, there was a push him to stand for the elections but he did not give a positive response to those calls. Later his name started floating all over the place that he is the people's choice.

He added that at a meeting in Ho, he told Mr. Anthony Gyampoh in the presence of Miss Patience Addow that if they should hear his name as a possible candidate it should not be misconstrued that he is promoting himself. Thereafter, he said he called the DCE to his house and told him that he had m ade up his mind to stand for the constituency elections.

According to the Deputy Minister, follow this disclosure, those who showed interest to contest for the seat were asked to go to Koforidua for an interview.

"I told the panel that whoever the party select will enjoy my support in the interest of the NDC to wrestle power from the NPP," said Mr. Akuffo. He said since the panel selected the DCE as its parliamentary candidate for the Akwapim North he has been in close consultation with his supporters on how to strategise for an effective campaigning.

The deputy Minister disclosed that he is aware that his supporters have sent petitions to the party's headquarters against Mr. Gyampoh's nomination, but that is a decision they took before informing him.

He concluded that he was shocked when he heard that his supporters had embarked on demonstrations against the (DCE).

Mr. Alex Akuffo told Chronicle that he has since asked his supporters to remain calm and refrain from any violent actions.

When the Chronicle contacted the District Chief Executive for his comments, he admitted that there had been demonstrations against him since his nomination, but added that he is not perturbed by the actions of some few disgruntled people who are bent on creating trouble in the district.

Gyampoh added thathe will continue to stretch his hands to unite the people of Akwapim North for its development.

According to him, whoever is behind the spate of demonstrations and petitions against him should realize that a divided house cannot stand by itself.

The DCE said he would continue to strive for unity on matter the consequences.