Use Abodakpi's imprisonment to unite

Accra, Feb 11, GNA - Members and supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) should use the imprisonment of Mr Dan Abodakpi, former Minister of Trade and Industries during the NDC regime by an Accra Fast-Track High Court to galvanise support to ensure the return of the party to power in the 2008 general election. Mr Daniel Nii Okai, Chairman of the Odododiodoo Constituency of the NDC, noted that the sentencing of the former Minister and MP for Keta showed the intention of the NPP government to cripple and "kill the NDC'.

He said that instead of dampening the spirit of NDC members and supporters, they should rather unite and work harder now more than ever before to win over more people to their side.

Mr Okai who was addressing NDC supporters at a meeting in Accra stated that, "fearing its own shadow of misdeeds and knowing that the NDC would form the next government come December 2008, the NPP government in a desperate move has embarked on a system of selective justice to continue with its misrule".

"This year that Ghana is marking its Golden Jubilee of Independence, the real essence of national reconciliation should be seen to be pursued instead of just in name with justice that divides instead of unifying the nation", he said.

Mr Okai wondered how many NPP officials and top government functionaries would pass the same test being given to NDC members. The NDC Odododiodoo Chairman called on the NPP to live up to its own label of exponents of the rule of law and democracy. He noted that the sending of Mr Abodakpi to prison would deter capable people from giving up themselves to serve the nation in important positions of trust if such a fate could befall them No matter what the government will do its poor economic management record and the suffering it has meted out to the people will make Ghanaians to reject it in the 2008 election, Mr Okai stated. "The NPP can do all that it can but it can not lower the NDC in the eyes of the people", he added.

An Accra Fast-Track High Court on Monday February 5th 2007 sentenced Mr Abodakpi to a 10 year-term on a charge of causing financial loss to the state.