Politics of Friday, 19 November 2004

Source: GNA

I won't step down for incumbent - Independent candidate

Tema, Nov. 19, GNA - Mr Samuel Kwame Amable, Independent Parliamentary Candidate Independent for Ashaiman Constituency on Friday, stated categorically that, he would not quit the race for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) incumbent Member of Parliament (MP), Mr Emmanuel K. K. Teye.

Mr Amable, an Administrator and Executive Member of the Party, who fell out with the party in May, this year explained that, both the Regional and National Executives of the Party denied him the right to contest the primaries even though he qualified.

He was speaking to the Ghana News Agency in reaction to a statement issued by the Executives of NPP in the Constituency expelling him for disregarding the Party's directives and going ahead to file his nomination papers as an Independent Candidate.

He said in the 2000 General Election he contested and won the primaries but was asked to withdraw for Mr Teye, which "I obliged on condition that this time round, I would go but I have been given the raw deal". He said in middle of this year, he filed his nominations to contest the primaries but when the time came "my name was not on the list and when I asked nobody gave me any explanation".

Mr Amable said a few weeks ago, some members of the Party Leadership approached him to rescind his decision of going solo, but "I declined because I cannot be denied for the second time.

"I am going solo to prove to them that I am capable of winning to serve the community."

The Administrator however, stated that he still loved President John Agyekum Kufuor but could not answer whether his members should vote for him or not.

He called on his members to remain calm, steadfast and loyal for a good cause.

Last week, a statement by the Ashaiman Constituency of the Party signed by its Secretary, Mr Joseph Ofosu Siaw expelled Mr Amable and his confidant, Mr Augustine Inkoom from the Party for contravening its directives.