NDC accuses NPP of harassing its activists

Kumasi, Jan 24, GNA- The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of persistent harassment and intimidation of its activists in the Ashanti region as part of its strategy to disorganise and undermine the NDC in the 2004 general elections.

The NDC said the NPP had resorted to such crude tactics because they had realised that "defeat is staring them in the face come the 2004 elections, in view of the organisational skills and increasing impact the NDC is making on the electorate now".

The statement was issued by the Ashanti regional secretariat of the NDC in Kumasi on Saturday and signed by Mr Emmanuel Nti-Fordjour, the regional chairman.

The statement pointed out that the atrocities, intimidation and harassment being meted out to the NDC activists and sympathisers were more pronounced at Obuasi, the Ahafo-Ano South and the Atwima-Kwanwoma constituencies.

It stressed, "The NPP know they have not performed creditably for the three years in power and cannot therefore win the coming polls hence the use of intimidation and harassment on the NDC which they perceive may win the elections".

The NDC advised its membership, activists and all sympathisers to strive to remain calm and accommodate any harassment from the NPP since it is obvious that no matter their tricks the NPP would be defeated.

The statement assured Ghanaians that the NDC was a peaceful party and will continue to exhibit peaceful attributes in all its endeavours and campaigns and help bring about peaceful general elections.

The NDC entreated the NPP that preaches and claims to be more democratic to learn to practically abide by such democratic values to ensure a more peaceful and transparent general elections.