Asokwa MP hits hard at barking Kofi Jumah

Incumbent Member of Parliament for Asokwa in the Ashanti Region, Patricia Appiagyei has accused her predecessor Maxwell Kofi Jumah of using some University students to drag her name in the mud.

“It’s unfortunate that my predecessor who is hungry for power has taught all these young boys [how to use abusive words]. I know them by name and I have records of their recordings and everything.

“You will observe that the hon. Kofi Jumah is not talking because the last time we were in contest, he came out with some accusations–he knows that he’s got very slippery mouth: he will come out with all kinds of, sorry to say, nonsense that people will not appreciate–so now he’s engaging all these young boys from the University.

“But I feel very sorry for them because if you want to be in politics, and in life, you have to learn from people who have good image, you need to have good role models and not role models like the one who barks,” Appiagyei told Ultimate Breakfast Show host Prince Minkah on Ultimate 106.9FM.

In 2011, Appiagyei beat Mr Jumah by 275 to 139 votes in the NPP’s parliamentary primary for the constituency. Ahead of the hot contest, Mr Jumah said in a radio interview with Kumasi-based Fox FM that unlike appointments into public office, where favours of all sorts, include sexual ones, could be traded, same could not be done with being an MP, adding that it takes hard work for an aspirant to win over delegates and voters before securing a seat at the legislature.

His comments were interpreted as a subtle swipe at Appiagyei, who was appointed Mayor of the Ashanti regional capital at a point in the Kufuor administration, a position, which, incidentally was once held by Mr Jumah before becoming an MP.

Ahead of the party’s forthcoming parliamentary primaries for the 2016 elections, Mr Jumah, who had hinted at not running for the seat any longer, suddenly made a U-turn after the party reversed its affirmative action policy, which was meant to protect its only 16 female MPs, including Appiagyei.

Discussing the revert affirmative policy on OKAY FM’s "Ade Akye Abia" morning show, Kofi Jumah also rescinded his decision to sacrifice the Asokwa seat.

“I am so happy the decision has been suspended. I am now in the race [Asokwa parliamentary contest], I will go for my forms in the coming days. Nothing can stop me now, I will contest the seat. My posters are out already,” he told OKAY FM’s "Ade Akye Abia”

“The affirmative action should not be an affirmative protection,” he told the station, adding that: “Though we need more women in politics….we don’t have to cease others from contesting”.