Ethnicity prejudice has been a major issue in Ghana�s largest opposition party, New Patriotic Party (NPP) over the years and it has generated some heated argument within party frontrunners.
Recently, a former Attorney General under Ex-President Kufour�s administration, Nii Ayikoi Otoo warned the party to resolve the �Akyem-Ashanti� rift or remain in opposition forever. According to Nii Ayikoi Otoo, who has also declared his intention to contest the party�s national chairmanship position, the two ethnic groups must bond to present a formidable candidate that will help the party recapture political power in the 2016 polls.
He noted that, the rivalry contributed to the party�s electoral losses in 2008 and 2012 but hopes it will be resolved before 2016.
But in a sharp riposte, NPP�s General Secretary, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie aka Sir John, says ethnic rift does not exist in the NPP.
According to him, despite Nana Addo being an Akyem, the Ashanti�s endorsed his candidateship in 2008 and 2012 and voted for him massively.
�There is nothing like ethnic rivalry in the NPP. Anyone who will say that is not being truthful. Nana Akufo-Addo�s stronghold is in the Ashanti region. It�s surprising how the Ashanti�s hailed him and I have never seen such gesture in this world. There is no truth in what they are saying.
��Those who want the downfall and division of the party are those saying there is ethnic rift in the party. The NPP party doesn�t have Aykem and Ashanti�s, we are all one. Even Nana Addo got more votes in the Ashanti region than in the Eastern region,� outspoken Sir John told Adom FM.
Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/ Peacefmonline.com/Ghana
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. |
Comments