NPP NEC shelves discussion on Sir John’s fate

Convicted NPP General Secretary, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie aka Sir John remains at post after a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the opposition NPP ended without considering his fate.

Former President Kufuor raised public expectation that the fate of the General Secretary will be determined after he run into trouble for insulting judges who are hearing an election petition at the Supreme Court.

Sir John was convicted by the Supreme Court on August 14, 2013 after he made contemptuous utterances about the panel of justices of the Supreme Court in general, and its president, Justice Atuguba, in particular. He was, however, not jailed but made to pay a fine of GHc5,000 and also sign a bond of good behavior.

A key figure from his party, Dr. Nyaho Tamakloe criticized and charged that Sir John must resign because the sentencing of the chief executive of the party was disgraceful.

His comments set off a media frenzy with various party officials criticizing the critic and others backing Dr. Tamakloe’s call on Sir John to resign.

Former President Kufuor, a towering figure in the New Patriotic Party (NPP), waded into the matter after he revealed that NEC will decide Sir John's fate

He said based on the position taken by the majority, it will decide whether to let him step down or keep his position as the party's General Secretary.

This meeting came off Thursday, August 22, 2013 at the party headquarters. It was heavily attended by all 100 members of NEC including former President Kufuor. It lasted for 2 hours.

Sir John’s name did not even come up, Nana Akomea, Communication director of the party revealed to Joy News after the meeting.

He said the meeting considered the different scenarios that may arise after the Supreme Court decides who really won the 2012 presidential polls.

The court will sit on August 29, 2013 to give a ruling either in favour of NPP’s petitioners who are of the view that the elections were flawed to the benefit of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) or confirm John Mahama as president.