FLASHBACK: NPP has no respect for chiefs – Martin Amidu

In the year 2000, the presidential running mate of the NDC, Martin Amidu, described the NPP as a party whose people have no respect for traditional rulers. This followed failure by then presidential candidate of the NPP, John Agyekum Kufuor to call on the Bawku-Naba, Abugrago Azorka, during his visit to the area.

Martin Alamisi Amidu stated that, he was surprised by the level of disrespect from the NPP, adding that, J.A Kufour did not heed to the advice from their parliamentary candidate, Hawa Yakubu Ogede on the need to pay a courtesy call to the Bawku-Naba.

Read the full story originally published on December 2, 2000, on Ghanaweb

Mr Martin Amidu, presidential running mate of the NDC on Thursday accused the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) disrespect to the country's traditional rulers. He said the party displayed this attitude during Mr J.A. Kufuor's recent visit to Bawku, when he refused to call on the Bawku-Naba Abugrago Azorka.

Speaking at a rally at Gausu, a suburb of Obuasi, Mr Amidu said Madam Hawa Yakubu Ogede, the NPP parliamentary candidate, for Bawku Central, was surprised when Mr Kufuor refused her request that he should call on the Bawku-Naba.

He said the NPP presidential candidate also refused to attend a rally organised for him by Madam Ogede, who has therefore threatened to withdraw her candidature and leave the party. The NDC presidential running mate said Mr Kufuor had to send people to Bawku to persuade Madam Ogede to rescind her decision.

"Quote me anywhere as having said that I brought up this incident for Ghanaians to know the sort of people in the NPP including its top hierarchy", Mr. Amidu added. Mr Amidu said the NDC does not make vain promises "but delivers the goods", and appealed to the people to vote for the party to enable it to continue its development programme.

He formally introduced Dr Nsiah Peprah, the NDC parliamentary candidate for Obuasi to the people and asked them to vote for him. At a similar rally at Twabidi in the Ahafo-Ano North district, Mr Amidu told the people to retain the NDC in power to enable it to complete the good work it had started.

He said among the candidates contesting next Thursday's presidential election, Prof. John Atta Mills, is the most capable because he has been tested in the art of governance and can deliver the goods. Mr. Amidu said, "You must in the light of this give him your mandate to rule the country ".

Mr Amidu introduced Mr Annor Baffour, the incumbent MP who is seeking another mandate, to the people, and asked them to vote for him.