NDC clarifies statement on harrassment of public officials

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) says a statement it made on the alleged harassment of public officials by the ruling New Patriotic Party has been misinterpreted by sections of the media and the general public.

At a recent press conference, the NDC issued a statement naming public officials who, according to the party had been dismissed, forced to resign or harassed by the government.

Among those mentioned were Mr. Worlanyoh Agrah, former General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association; Mr. Emmanuel Darko, a former employee of the Finance Ministry and Mr. William Aboah, former Director of the Ghana Immigration Service. However, two of the officials cited, Mr. Darko and Mr. Aboah, have denied that they were either harassed or forced to resign as alleged by the NDC.

In the case of Agrah, it has been argued that his term in office had ended and he could still re-apply for the post. In an interview with Joy FM, the NDC Minority Leader in Parliament, Alban Bagbin, denied any suggestion by the party that the three former public officials were being harassed.

Mr. Bagbin, who is also a member of the party’s legal committee said Agrah and Darko were named as two of the many former government officials and public officials who had appeared before a probe committee or security agency, a fact that has been confirmed by the two men in their statements.

In the case of the former Director of Immigration, Mr. William Aboah, who has denied the NDC’s claim that he was forced to resign, the Minority Leader noted that the party had information, which suggests that he was forced to resign.

Mr Bagbin said the people whose names were mentioned at the press conference are former government officials who are not necessarily NDC members