Kumasi, Jan. 6, GNA - The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region, has rallied to the defense of the Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Opoku-Manu, who has come under sharp public criticisms for allegedly inciting lawlessness.

They said: "It is not his nature to encourage political violence and confusion. He is gentle and a fine politician." A statement signed by the Regional Chairman of the party, Mr Yaw Owusu Obimpeh in Kumasi said on Wednesday.

The Minister is reported to have told supporters of the NDC at a meeting to beat up their opponents, who make unsavory remarks about the ruling party.

The statement said what the minister said had been over blown. It said Ghana's democracy must grow, which demanded that people focused more on what unite them. The party counseled all Ghanaians to accept to co-exist peacefully and to accommodate each other.