Ofosu Ampofo’s case: You’re setting a precedent – Mahama to NPP

Former President and Flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama has issued a stern warning to the ruling New Patriotic Party asking them to be mindful of the treatment and harassment being meted out to its National Chairman, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo.

Speaking on how the police is handling Mr. Ofosu Ampofo, Mahama said the current government is setting a precedent which may one day come back at them.

“They are setting a precedent. They should remember that in everything they do, they are setting a precedent” he says.

Mahama's comment follows after the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service served notice to Ofosu Ampofo inviting him for questioning over the recent fire incidents and kidnappings in the country.

In the letter it said “The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has commenced investigations into cases of kidnapping and fire outbreaks in various parts of the country. Intelligence gathered indicates that some of these kidnappings and fire outbreaks are being orchestrated by various unidentified groups, persons and individuals.”

“Some of the persons picked up for interrogation and investigation have mentioned your name as part of a grand scheme designed to cause fear and panic in the country. As a result of the above information and intelligence, you are kindly requested to report to the undersigned on Thursday 9th May, 2019 at 2 p.m. to assist in our investigations.”

Reacting to the issue, the former President said NPP’s action against its party chairman is a clear sign of desperation that will make them lose election 2020.

According to Mahama, government must not out of desperation harass his party officials if it can’t fulfil promises made to Ghanaians.

In a statement issued and copied to GhanaWeb, the NDC's flagbearer said “No amount of harassment of our National Chairman will save the NPP from defeat. Indeed, it is a sign of desperation that the Chief Executive of our party, the Chairman of our party is constantly being harassed by the Police Authority”.

“You cannot take any frivolous and vexatious investigation and be inviting the National Chairman of the biggest opposition every day to the CID headquarters on very useless allegations. We are advising the NPP, if you deliver on your promises, the people of Ghana will look favourably at you. If you have failed, don’t out of your desperation; decide to harass our party officials. Whatever you do, you cannot escape the judgment of the people”, he added.