General News of Wednesday, 23 April 2003

Source: Ghanaian Chronicle

We'll Resist Any Move Towards One Party State

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Kumbungu Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni says the minority in Parliament is not prepared to compromise any decision and tactics by the ruling government to drag the nation into a one party state.

He has therefore requested all party faithfuls and Ghanaians at large to rally behind the NDC in ensuring a vibrant opposition that will keep the government on track.

Alhaji Mumuni, who is also the minority spokesman on legal and constitutional affairs, observed that the country's democracy is seriously under threat, adding that there is the need for all to ensure its sustenance.

In an interview with Chronicle in Accra, Alhaji Mumuni said the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government's attitude of intimidation and harassment, particularly towards the NDC indicates that it is feeling very uncomfortable with the checks and criticisms by the minority group in Parliament.

Alhaji Mumuni fumed in reaction to criticisms that the minority MPs are more interested and devoted to party activities rather than the business of the house.

He condemned such criticisms saying that "it is just not right for people to be invited for questioning by security agencies for making statements on political platforms."

According to him, the intimidation and harassment being demonstrated by the current government is a clear indication to confirm its earlier move to disintegrate the minority parties, in order for it to succeed in turning the nation into a one party state.

Alhaji Mumuni's comments came amidst various criticisms and condemnation by a section of the public, following the minority's decision last week to accompany their colleague Ama Benyiwa Doe to write her statement at the police CID, which led to hours of disruption of vetting of some designated ministers of state.

The minority NDC, led by Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni, on Thursday April 10, this year, disrupted a vetting process of some designated ministers of state in solidarity with their colleague MP, Ama Benyiwa Doe, who was invited by the criminal investigation department of the Ghana Police Service.

Her invitation followed a statement she made on a political platform in Gomoa East, where a by-election was recently held.

Hon. Ama Benyiwa Doe was reported to have stated that the Kufuor administration was responsible for the influx of fake currencies in the country. She was however invited by the security agency to assist them with detailed information about her alleged statement.