Yilo Krobo NDC boil over exclusion of aspirant from party's primaries

Some branch executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at Yilo Krobo constituency in the Eastern Region have accused the party's National Chairman Samuel Ofosu Ampofo of masterminding the disqualifications of, Albert Tetteh Nyarkotey, one of three persons aspiring to be the party's parliamentary candidate.

Protesting the decision by the party at a news conference in Somanya, the aggrieved NDC executives said the stand taken by the party will affect their fortunes in the 2020 elections.

Albert Nyarkotey Tetteh an energy expert, is the only aspirant among two others who failed at the party's vetting in Koforidua.

His exclusion from the party's primaries scheduled for August 24 this year comes as a surprise to many who had declared their unflinching support for his candidature.

The reason, the party gave as basis for his disqualification, the branch executives say is not convincing enough.

Mr. Tetteh Nyarkotey was disqualified after a branch executive member accused him of not serving and contributing to the welfare of the party.

But the accusation has been shot down by the branch Chairmen, describing it as baseless.

Addressing the media in Somanya, Desmond Djabadey, branch Chairman for Nkurakan Presby 'B' accused the party's national chairman, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo of subtly working to give Michael Ologo, who serves as the Managing director of Mr. Ampofo's group of companies an unfair advantage.

"We have also noted that One of the Candidates, Mr Michael Ologo is a direct Employee of Chairman Ofosu Ampofu. Michael Ologo Manages both Ahutor FM and Radio 1, all belonging to Chairman Ofosu. This is evidenced by Michael Ologo's own CV which is a public document.

On several of Michael Ologo's Campaign tours, he indicates Chairman Ofosu's support for his candidature. Michael Ologo touts as his achievements, a Campaign manager of Chairman Ofosu both at Tema West and his latest contest in the National Executive elections.

The turn of events is a clear confirmation that Chairman Ofosu is trying to favour his darling boy against the wish of over 1200 Delegates if Albert Nyakotey is not cleared to contest". He alleged.

Desmond Djabadey warns of dire consequences for the party if they fail to rescind their decision.

"We present to you our concerns, knowing that the Krobo bloc had never disappointed when it comes to voting for the NDC apart from that unfortunate development that led to NDC losing the Upper Manya Krobo Seat in 2016. We wish to serve notice, that the events unfolding in the particular case are similar to those that occured in Upper Manya which eventually led to the NPP winning the seat from us. We are therefore cautioning the powers that be to be mindful of any decision that has the tendency of derailing our progress in Yilo Krobo". He warned.

The party has cleared former MCE, Andrew Soda and Michael Ologo to battle it out in the upcoming primaries.