NDC condemns NPP supporters conduct at funeral

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned the behaviour of a group of New patriotic Party (NPP) supporters, when the Vice-President, Professor John Evans Atta Mills, led a government's delegation to attend the final funeral rites of Asantehene, Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, last Monday. A press statement issued by the Ashanti Regional Executive of the NDC and signed by its chairman, Mr P. E. K. Antwi, said the "impolitic and shameful conduct" was disheartening and a sad display of political immaturity to "attempt hijacking" a supposed solemn occasion of the funeral for partisan politics. The statement was in re-action to the shouts of party slogans jeering and flying of NPP flags by its supporters apparently to cause embarrassment to the Vice President at the funeral grounds.

The vice President was at the head of the delegation to mourn with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, Nana Afua Kobi Serwaah Ampem, Asantehemaa, and the entire Asante nation. It asked what would have unfolded if the NDC had responded to the taunts and provocation of their opponents? The statement noted that "organised mischief making, aberrant and irresponsible political conduct would not help to advance the cause of peace and democracy in the country". It reminded the NPP and its leadership that Otumfuo Opoku Ware firmly stood for peace and for that matter, it was pertinent for all to ensure that his final royal funeral rites is carried through with decency and honour.

The statement said Otumfuo Osei Tutu's vision for unity, peace and progress should be made the guidepost for the conduct of all politicians in the region to ensure peaceful electioneering campaign this year.