Politics of Wednesday, 14 March 2007

Source: solid 103.7 f.m,kumasi

NDC Chairman downplays intelligence of Nkoranza North electorate

The Brong Ahafo Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Owusu Agyemang, says the people of Nkoranza North have shown through yesterday’s by-election that they do not want quality and selfless representative in parliament.

He explains that a medical doctor is academically of more quality than a soldier and that the NDC candidate, 31 year-old Dr Kofi Amoako Gyampa, a medical doctor, was a better option than the New Patriotic Party candidate, Major (Retd) Derek Oduro, who is a retired soldier.

The renowned lawyer was speaking in an exclusive interview on Solid Fm’s morning programme, Tontonsansan, a day after his party lost the Nkoranza seat to the ruling New Patriotic Party in a by-election, following the resignation of the former Member of Parliament for the area, Mr. Eric Amoateng, who is on trial in the United States for allegedly importing six million dollars worth of cocaine into the country.

“The electorate of Nkoranza have shown that they are not ready give the seat back to NDC. They’ve shown that they are still satisfied with the abject poverty and the hardship in which they find themselves now.” He said.

Mr. Owusu Agyemang also accused the NPP of buying votes and influencing the people in various ways to vote for them.

In a quick response his counterpart from the New Patriotic Party, Nana Obiri Boahen, said any political party that could make such a pronouncement was trying to doubt the integrity of the people of Nkoranza North and did not see the reason why that same party should go to that area to beg for votes in subsequent elections.

“Everybody is important in society.The people of Nkoranza have spoken and that is all. They have chosen their MP and that is their constitutional right. Their right must be well respected. It would be unfortunate for anybody to make any statement that would be an indictment on their right and integrity.” He told journalists in a telephone conversation.