Opinions of Saturday, 12 February 2011

Columnist: Banamini, David A.

Bagbin Not Fronting To Partner Konadu

The minister of water resources works and housing who doubles as the member of parliament for Nadowli west is not covertly or overtly seeking to partner the former first lady in her unconfirmed bid to lead the NDC in the 2012 election. Let me put on record that the faceless individuals who are behind the spread of these wild allegations are not only mischievous but enemies of the NDC.
I can humbly admit that the stake of the former first family in the NDC is unquestionable and Hon Bagbin as a leading member of the party owe allegiance to first the nation, the president and the NDC which the Rawlingses has midwifed. Any attempt to skew these facts will be tantamount to political dishonesty.
This is not in any measure suggesting to maligning or belittling Nana Konadu but setting the records straight. Hon Bagbin has spoken copiously on various media platforms clarifying the issues. He said he has never had any secret meeting with the former first lady on the issue in question and added he only held discussions with the former first family on resettling them when fire gutted their residence.

I wish to amplify the voice of Hon Bagbin that he is loyal to the nation, the NDC and above all President Mills for giving him the opportunity to serve the people of Ghana as a minister of state. Anything outside this will be tangential and cannot constitute the letter and spirit of the Hon minister who diligently led the party in parliament for eight years.

On the issue of the STX housing deal, Hon Bagbin made it clear that he has never been induced with cash or otherwise to support the ambitious housing policy. These facts can be verified with the Koreans who are one of the major stakeholders of the project. In any case, how can a minister of state in charge of housing take money before endorsing such a fine policy? It is ridiculous.
That Benz car was not dole out to him by STX Korea; he bought it long ago before becoming a minister of state. Notwithstanding, I think it is an insult to the Honourable minister, somebody who have received ex-gratia on countless occasions and cannot buy a Benz car? They should give us a break. I think this is incensed by their vile quest to scuttle the gains made by Hon Bagbin, but I can assure them it will backfire.

In any case I think it is petty, cannot be substantiated and a complete figment of the imagination of the detractors of the minister who are seeking to create disaffection between President Mills and Hon Bagbin and his subsequent removal from cabinet. It is a well-rehearsed strategy of these nameless but shameful persons to stoke fire in the NDC and I have no doubt the President will ignore this and engender the unity that is needed for election 2012.
David A. Banamini
Kaleo- Wa, UW/R