NPP denies accusation of harassment of NDC members

The Offinso North Constituency of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has denied accusations that its supporters were intimidating, harassing and beating up members and sympathisers of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at Akomadan.

Mr Kwasi Appiah-Donkor, NPP Constituency Chairman, said the accusations were not true, adding that, they are "complete fabrication inspired by political mischief".

He told the GNA in Kumasi that on December 31, 2001, the Minister of Trade and Industry, who is the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku, presented a container load of books, hospital beds, an X-ray machine and four bales of second-hand clothing all valued at about 500 million cedis to support schools and health facilities in the constituency.

The items were presented at a joint durbar of chiefs and people from Akomadan, Nkenkansu and Afrancho. He said just as the materials were going to be handed over, a group of NDC supporters were seen about 50 metres away attempting to hoist their party flag to commemorate the 31st December Revolution.

Mr Appiah-Donkor said to prevent any nasty incident the NDC supporters were advised to put their intended celebration on hold until after the presentation, which they agreed, adding, "the day passed off peacefully".

The Constituency Chairman said on January 7, when a float was organised and a mini-rally was held at Akomadan to climax activities marking the first anniversary of the government, the NDC group again emerged close to the rally ground and started hoisting their party flag and insulting leading members of the NPP.

Mr Appiah-Donkor said some activists of the NPP could not stand the provocation and confronted them resulting in some scuffles.

The case, he said, was reported to the Police and suspects from both sides were invited to give statements, adding, "I am amused at the dishonesty on the part of the NDC to project the NPP as lawless".

The NDC Constituency Chairman for the area, Mr Appiah Kubi at a news conference, recently asked the Police to stop the physical assault, intimidation and harassment of its members by NPP supporters.