General News of Wednesday, 4 June 2003

Source: Chronicle

NPP is the Enemy - Mahama

The leader of the People's National Convention (PNC), Dr. Edward Mahama, has praised the Limann administration as the best after that of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah who was overthrown by the military in 1966.

Dr. Mahama who was a guest of a TV3 programme 'Hot Issues' last Saturday night, monitored by the ubiquitous Chronicle said, even after being overthrown unconstitutionally by military adventurists, none of Limann's ministers had been convicted for any form of malfeasance.

On the other hand, the PNC leader described the Kufuor administration as an inefficient government that cannot even deliver with its 87 ministers.

He said if given the mandate in the next general elections, a PNC government would have only 30 ministers with all the ten regional ministers becoming Cabinet members.

This, he explained, would save much money for the state to invest in the educational sector.

When asked by his host, Osei Boakye, who the enemies of the PNC are, the eloquent PNC leader, without hesitation, mentioned the NPP and cited the instance when the government party snatched his party's sure bet, Dominic A. B. Nitiwul, during the Bimbilla by-election which he won convincingly.

The seat became vacant following the resignation of the NDC candidate, Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, to take up an ECOWAS appointment as its secretary-general.

Dr. Mahama lambasted President Kufuor for allowing himself to be 'poached' by the illegitimate and unconstitutional government of the PNDC, "only to turn round to condemn coup-makers."

The PNC leader, of northern origin, said without his people, the independence of Ghana would not have been possible, adding "for this reason, the first president instituted for them a special scholarship scheme to see them through education."

He debunked a suggestion that northern politicians are always content with the position of vice president and explained, "I have offered myself for the post of president and not as vice president, and that does it."

Dr. Mahama said people from the north are hardworking people and very honest people who can be trusted with the leadership of the country and are sure to go by the Constitution which demands that people are accountable for their stewardship.