NDC education network condemns Reform Movement

Accra (Greater Accra), 20 Nov. 1998 The Tertiary Education Institutions Network (TEIN) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) today condemned the Reform Movement of the party and lauded the NDC leadership for its "principled stand in dealing with any form of indiscipline."

A statement signed by Mr Kwesi Amaniampong of TEIN's Coordinating Office in Accra, said they have observed with nervousness the activities of the group that has been "calling for what they describe as reforms in the party."

It said it is not unexpected that the NDC, as a mass organization with its support base and sympathies from over half the population, would have occasional internal disagreements.

"The beauty of the NDC style of addressing such issues has been the hallmark of a disciplined organization," it said, adding that this has been possible largely due to the method of presentation of complaints by aggrieved parties and individuals.

"This cannot, however, be said of the current agitators who decided to go to press before making their complaints known to the hierarchy.

"We of TEIN, having followed the behaviour of what clearly appears to be a rebel group determined to cause confusion within the NDC, wish to commend President Jerry Rawlings, Alhaji Issifu Ali, the National Chairman, and the National Executive of the party for their principled stand in dealing with any form of indiscipline.

"Their decision to cause investigation into allegations of impropriety levelled against some top party functionaries is most laudable. We see this as an indication that the flame of probity and accountability lit by the leadership nearly two decades ago still burns."

TEIN said its concern, however, is the "half-hearted approach" in dealing with issues of impropriety in the party and asked why some offenders are treated differently from others.

It cited the dismissal from office of Mr E.M. Osei-Wusu as deputy propaganda secretary and said the national executive cannot deny knowledge of shady and underhand deals by Mr Osei-Wusu which brought the name of the party into disrepute.

These include allegations that he had swindled Mr Baba Kamara, the NDC deputy treasurer, and many people of millions of cedis. Mr Osei-Wusu, who is an employee of GHACEM, allegedly collected the monies under the pretext of supplying cement to them at the time when the commodity was in short supply.

TEIN said there were other allegations against Mr Osei-Wusu, adding that if the national headquarters of the party had the facts, they should have assigned reasons for his dismissal.

TEIN said it was asking these questions because it did not understand why the Central and Brong Ahafo Regional Chairmen of the Party should be made to face a probe while others with more serious allegations should walk freely about.

It also cited the example of Mr Kerson Doamekpor who used to work at the party headquarters until he was dismissed after the Sunyani Congress for diverting materials meant for the congress.

"TEIN wishes to appeal to the party hierarchy to move a step further to set up a probe into the numerous allegations against such persons, including the misuse of funds meant for the settlement of cadres."