General News of Thursday, 29 September 2016

Source: classfmonline.com

Akufo-Addo running away from assets declaration – Kofi Adams

Kofi Adams, National Organizer of the NDC Kofi Adams, National Organizer of the NDC

The flag bearer of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) should abide by electoral laws and declare his assets if he is not corrupt, governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) Campaign Coordinator Kofi Adams has said.

“Nana Addo is being given the opportunity to declare his assets if he says he is not corrupt. Why is he hiding under not being a public officer?” Mr. Adams questioned.

According to him, “The C.I. that governs elections has an aspect which talks about asset declaration. Indeed, it was based on that section that the Electoral Commission (EC) was reminding people, including private citizens who want to contest elections, to do so.”

Mr. Adams raised these concerns during an interview with Prince Minkah on Class91.3FM’s Executive Breakfast Show on Thursday September 29.

Mr. Adams insisted: “The president (Mr. Mahama) has declared his assets long ago.” According to the National Organiser of the NDC, the Three-time presidential nominee of the NPP should follow the example of Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom, the flag bearer of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP) and also declare his assets. “He should come and tell Ghanaians what they are running away from, he and his running mate.”

As part of the requirements for the filing of nominations ahead of the 2016 elections, the EC has requested presidential and parliamentary aspirants to declare their assets, but the acting General Secretary of the NPP says there is no law that mandates that request.

“You do not have to do it if you are not a public officer. The law on which the EC even gave the directions is a law that has been repealed. So it is not applicable…” he indicated on the same radio programme.

He emphasised that what Mr. Akufo-Addo will do is to “file his tax returns” but will not declare his assets.