General News of Thursday, 28 March 2002

Source: The Statesman

Action Forum faces exposure

On Radio Gold on Tuesday Victor Smith revealed that the so-called threatening letter to Kweku Baako Jnr. and Mrs Amoakohene was drafted by himself after he was approached by the Action Forum, a resolutely opaque wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) known to issue controversial statements.

Notably, the Action Forum has been behind an intra-party campaign to smear Dr Obed Asamoah, whose intention to become chairman of Ghana’s largest opposition party is known to be fiercely resisted by the former President, Jerry Rawlings.

In a telephone conversation with Dr Obed Asamoah last night, the Statesman suggested to him that recent events appear to suggest that the Action Forum is little more than a set-up to propagate the former President’s dirty campaign.

“That’s interesting,” he replied, adding “that is the conclusion a lot of people say.” But he steadfastly refused to be drawn any further into the speculation game, preferring to wait. “I suspect that the findings of the investigation will be published sometime on the campaign against me. I’m just watching to see how things unfold.”

The former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice said the NDC congress would take place as rescheduled on the April 27. “As of now, I don’t see any reason why it shouldn’t come on,” he noted, aware of the troubles, which led to the original date being pushed back from December 27. “We are working towards it,” he said.

On his future, he re-affirmed, “I’ll certainly offer myself for the chairmanship and let’s see what people think of it.” Earlier, Victor Smith dismissed with laughter as “ridiculous,” the suggestion that the Action Forum is a mere smokescreen for the former President’s dirty campaign.