General News of Wednesday, 4 September 2002

Source: Chronicle

Akwasi Agyeman Goes Too Close to NPP

Nana Akwasi Agyemang, the former KMA boss is gradually worming his way into the fold of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) led by his "brother" President Kufuor.

He might soon bear a party card as a member. In spite of denials by party executives that Nana Agyemang helped bankroll the NPP in the 1992 and 1996 elections, it has been confirmed that the "boy" of former President Rawlings has contributed "something" to the party during a fund-raising dinner dance in Kumasi recently.

Nana Agyeman would not say exactly how much he donated but the party branch in Kumasi told the Chronicle that "Nana gave us ?5 million.

"We appreciate it very much and why not? Nana can decide to join us. After all, politics is a game of numbers," the Chronicle heard.

For 23 years Nana Akwasi Agyeman served as the mayor of Kumasi under various governments including the Supreme Military Council (SMC) 1 and 2, Armed forces revolutionary Council (AFRC), Peoples National Party (PNP) and the Provisional National Defence Council (P)NDC).

News of moves by party men and government officials to bring to KMA spread like bush fire after he had generously donated the million to the party during the said dinner dance.

There are indications that Nana Agyeman is willing to serve under Kufuor's administration.

"If I had served various governments, why can't I do the same for my brother (President Kufuor) to rebuild Ghana" he questioned this reporter.

The former KMA boss' flirtation with the NPP dates back to January when he expressed confidence in a Kufuor-led government.

He expects Kufuor to "perform better" than his mentor, Flt. Lt. Rawlings, whose reign fraught was with corruption.

Nana Akwasi Agyeman will shed no tears for the "men of integrity of the Rawlings administration who contributed to the "death" of the NDC government for indulging in corrupt practices.

The Ashanti royal is on record to have lauded President Kufuor's all-inclusive government saying it will enhance reconciliation and proper national development.