General News of Tuesday, 26 February 2013

Source: Peace FM

NPP's boycott is discriminatory - Pratt

Managing Editor of Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, has said that the recent boycott of the minority members in Parliament is not only selfish but also discriminatory.

According to him, when the situation suits the minority; who are mostly members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), they will participate.

However, if they feel it will be to their disadvantage, they will boycott, adding; “when it comes to their housing allowances, they grab it with both hands and if it were possible, they will add their legs.”

The recent frequent boycott of the minority caucus in parliament has become a controversial one with divergent views; some opposing and others supporting. Some say their boycott of any activity from the presidency not only is it unnecessary but also makes the debate one sided.

A recent criticism of the boycott is from a member from their own quarters; Mr Kwame Pianim.

According to him, the recent boycott, especially that of the President’s inauguration, is an indication that the NPP is confused.

Speaking as a panelist on Radio Gold’s "Alhaji and Alhaji" programme, Pratt indicated that even though the minority’s boycott is a legitimate and proper tool of political expressions; they are not representing their constituents properly.

“It is not about the right and legality, however, it is about whether the protest itself is sensible. The NPP claim that there were irregularities in the December 2012 elections; the NPP themselves have decided that until the Supreme Court decides otherwise, President John Mahama is the legitimate president of Ghana. If this is their position then it appears there is a contradiction and it is for this reason that their boycott is problematic.

"It is also becoming clear that the NPPs boycott is discriminatory. What is not in their interest, they will boycott; when it suits them they will not boycott...those boycotts doesn’t extend to the provision of small chops; in their desire to quench their hunger, there is no boycott; they will grab the spring rolls, and grab the chicken parts and drink the teas and so on without any contortions…” Kwesi Pratt said.

He asked when the NPP is going to prepare for the next elections in 2016 should the court proceedings last for three years.

Meanwhile, Pratt has urged members of the National Democratic Congress(NDC) to be grateful that the minority is boycotting most of the events.

He said instead of begging them to stop the boycott, they should rather celebrate and pray that they(the minority) boycott the budget proceedings too.

“The NPP is missing a lot; let us assume this case will last for three years, when is the NPP going to wake up and prepare for the next elections? And if I were a member of the NPP, I would be worried. If I were the NDC I would even pray that they boycott the budget proceedings too; it makes the work so very easy and I don’t understand why the NDC is worried and begging them to come...” he stated.