NPP takes Tony Aidoo to task ...

....for alleged delivery of military uniforms to NDC Hqts

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has petition the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to investigate allegations that Dr Tony Aidoo, Deputy Defence Minister, has authorised delivery of military uniforms to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) headquarters.

A statement signed by the campaign manager of the party, Mr. Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, says the NPP has received various reports on the activities of the NDC involving the military and urged the IGP to investigate and come out with the truth or otherwise of the allegations.

The statement further alleges that the party has also received reports of orchestrated attempts by soldiers to disrupt the electoral process and recent reports of uniforms being stolen from Quarter Master's Stores and wish to bring to the attention of the IGP and the need for the Armed Forces to protect its reputation which may be damaged if the allegations are proven to be true.

"We try to investigate all that we hear and pass on to the police those that seem credible," it said.

"But the latest is so potentially explosive that I have to bring it to your immediate attention. Should it prove to be true or worse be true and implemented, the damage it will do to the reputation of our armed forces will be incalculable."

The NPP said it hoped that the matter will be treated seriously and will prove to be a false alarm.

The party said it has also received reports of "soldiers" being used to terrorise citizens in the Tolon constituency of the Northern Region and asked whether they were thugs masquerading as Armed Forces personnel.

In another development, the NPP has asked Ghana Television (GTV) to be fair in the coverage of political party activities. In a letter to the Director General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation released to the press on Monday, the NPP said it has received information on GTV's intention to air a prepared programme for use by the station, GAR, Radio One, and TV3 within the next three days.

While it did not specify the programme, the NPP said GTV aired a similar programme that sought to attack the integrity and competence of its flag-bearer, Mr John Agyekum Kufuor, just two days to the 1996 polling day.

"We are relying on your judgement and commitment to fair play and building of our infant democracy to ensure that such a programme is not run," the party said.