Politics of Thursday, 13 August 2015

Source: Daily Guide

Tight security at Mpraeso over NDC feud

Joseph Omari Joseph Omari

Tension is still brewing in the Kwahu South District of the Eastern Region following a lingering feud between the DCE for the area, Joseph Omari, and executives of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Security has been beefed up in the area as over 15 heavily armed police officers and soldiers have been dispatched to the residence of the DCE after some executives of the party threatened to burn the house on Tuesday.

The tension started last Wednesday after the DCE reportedly pepper-sprayed the executives following a misunderstanding at a meeting to discuss an impending visit of the Eastern Regional Minister, Antwi Boasiako-Sekyere to the area.

Despite the release of the Mpraeso constituency chairman, Mahama Salifu, and four other executives of the ruling party, who were detained at the Nkawkaw police station last Friday and granted bail on Monday by a magistrate court, angry NDC youth are threatening to demonstrate on Thursday, if President John Mahama fails to sack DCE Joseph Omari.

On Tuesday the constituency secretary, Smart Nkansah, whilst addressing a press conference, hinted that they were giving the President up to Thursday morning to sack the DCE else they would stage a demonstration against him (President).

Meanwhile, the eastern regional constituency chairmen have unanimously rescinded their decision to keep all party offices closed.

According to the constituency chairmen, they have resumed work with immediate effect.

The decision was taken Monday afternoon after a closed door meeting at Kwahu Mpraeso.

Johnson Amo, the Atiwa constituency chairman, who spoke on behalf of the chairmen after the meeting, said the decision was not taken under duress but following assurances from party hierarchy to look into the concerns of the party executives.