The disqualified flag bearer of the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP), Dr Henry Lartey, has laughed off reports that he took GHS 20,000 from the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) to endorse the second term bid of President John Dramani Mahama ahead of the 7 December polls.

Dr Lartey, in a press briefing in Kumasi on Sunday 27 December, endorsed Mr Mahama to continue as president until 2020 when the GCPP will take over.

In response to the allegation that he had taken money from the government, Dr Lartey told journalists: “Is that how cheap we are? GHS 20, 000? It’s ridiculous…let them go on with the false alarm.

“The false alarm is not needed; we need Ghana to move forward. We need Ghana to be successful. I want most farmers to be properly taken care of… I want the youth to be able to get jobs; this is what we want, not GHS 20,000 in my pocket… Collecting money for what? Collecting money to do what? To support somebody to win an election? No. The result is happening now and that’s what I’m supporting and I don’t want it to spoil now, I want it to continue,” he added.

According to Dr Lartey, Mr Mahama is doing well with infrastructural development and should, therefore, be allowed to continue being president until 2020.

“He is performing on infrastructure. He says, ‘I’m going to do it and he is doing it…’ If a big country like the United States of America believes in infrastructure, it means Mahama is ahead of the United States of America. The truth has to be told and told for Ghanaians to understand, no [politricking]; the evidence is there. Even at Accra, you can see what is happening at the interchange – it’s become a tourist attraction. Why shouldn’t I support somebody who is doing well?” he quizzed.