NPP increasing political temperature – Ofosu-Ampofo

The first Vice Chair of the ruling NDC has accused the opposition NPP and its allies of increasing political temperature in the country with series of what he describes as needless demonstrations and agitations.

Samuel Ofosu Ampofo said he is surprised to see the NPP demonstrating over the voter’s register when the country has a respected and competent Electoral Commission (EC).

“I don’t understand. It beats my imagination that the NPP and its allies are on the streets demonstrating while they have members on the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) to voice their challenges during meetings,” he said.

Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo was speaking Wednesday on Adom FM’s “Burning Issues” programme with Afia Pokua on NPP’s persistent calls for the validation of the electoral roll.

The opposition party says the current voter’s register is bloated and not credible for use in the November 7 elections.
Ofosu-Ampofo however says the protest on Monday was needless.

“We went for an IPAC meeting just last two weeks ago about the EC’s arrangement and preparations for the limited voter’s registration but the NPP did not raise any concerns about the register but why are they now on the street with a different posture?” Ofosu Ampofo asked.

His comment follows Wednesday’s demonstration by supporters of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Let My Vote Count Alliance (LMVCA), Movement for Change and Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG).

They demonstrated in the Kumasi Metropolis to protest against what they say is the EC’s refusal to clean the register.

The mammoth demonstration dubbed ‘Baamu yadda’ a hausa phrase which means “we won’t agree,” was aimed at compelling the EC to heed their call and embark on a validation of the register.

The demonstration was also to demand for free, fair, credible elections and a peaceful election.
Ofosu-Ampofo believes such agitations by the NPP pile up put on the EC, which is doing all it can to ensure free, fair and transparent elections.

However, Director of Elections for the New Patriotic Party, Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, said the comments by Ofosu-Ampofo are equally surprising.

Adjei-Mensah said he won’t be surprised to learn that the NDC is conniving with the EC to maintain the current bloated voter’s register for this year’s election – he believes that would tip the scales in favor the ruling party during the November polls.

“The NDC is deliberately delaying and frustrating our suggestions and recommendations to the EC with their diabolic intentions ahead of the polls in their interest” he alleges.

Adjei-Mensah said the NPP cannot understand why the EC is not ready to listen to the cry of Ghanaians, especially regarding calls for the validation of the electoral roll.

He is the view that the EC has not conducted itself in a manner that would command confidence among voters.