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NPP demands politics of ideas and not politics of lies
Accra, Aug. 27, Ghanadot/GNA- The New
Patriotic Party (NPP) has urged Ghanaians to reject what it
termed “negative politics of lies” and to demand the
“politics of ideas” from all political parties.
The party was making particular reference to statements
allegedly made by the flag bearer of the National Democratic
Congress (NDC), Prof. John Atta-Mills a few days ago at
Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa constituency in the Central region
that members of the NPP who left Ghana at the height of the
PNDC era were cowards.
A statement issued in Accra on Wednesday by the Nana Akufo
Addo Campaign team, and signed by the Chiarman of the
Communication Committee of the team said Prof.Atta Mils also
accused the NPP of running a system of arbitrary arrests,
particularly with regards to drivers, saying, “This are all
a mouthful of lies from Prof. Atta-Mills”.
The statement said many brave Ghanaians at one time or the
other in the 1980’s suffered death, imprisonment or exile at
the hands of the PNDC regime led by the founder of the NDC,
former President Rawlings.
It said that amongst those who died were the three high
court judges and a retired army officer, whose deaths are
commemorated every June 30th.
It said amongst those jailed were Akenteng Appiah Menka,
Kwame Pianim and Sam Okudzeto, as well as Tommy Thompson and
Obeng Manu, both deceased.
“Included in the many that spent time in exile were the late
Victor Owusu, former Presidential candidate, Mr J.H. Mensah,
Dan Botwe, Asamoah Boateng, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and
myself, Dr Authur Kennedy”.
“All these were brave and loyal citizens who risked their
lives and liberties for the freedoms we have today. That so
many in the NPP can be counted amongst the ranks of these
brave citizens of our land is perhaps testament to our
party’s commitment to freedom.
“Furthermore, their names on this role are testament, not to
cowardice as Prof. Mills claims but to bravery. Indeed, to
have survived the dictatorship by maintaining silence in the
face of the pervasive evil, as Prof Mills and many others
did may have been prudent but it was not courageous”.
“Those were the days when lawyers like Nana Addo Dankwa
Akufo-Addo and Sam Okudzeto stood like sentinels in our dark
night showing that right will eventually triumph over the
evil of the PNDC.
“Maybe, if Prof Mills needs to be reminded of the events of
those days, he should talk to his mentor, former President
Rawlings. If Prof Mills could not join the many who
sacrificed, let him not dishonour their service”.
The statement said with regards to Prof. Atta-Mills
accusation of the NPP government carrying out arbitrary
arrests, all persons under the current democratic
dispensation, had a right to face their accusers in court,
and that many who had been accused had been acquitted by
courts.
“The issue of drivers, the police and road safety must be
carefully balanced in the interest of the public. The recent
spate of accidents, many stemming from driver error and
indiscipline is a major concern for all Ghanaians, including
drivers.
“Where was Prof. Mills’ concern about arbitrary arrests when
people were picked from their homes and either jailed or
executed during the PNDC era?
The statement said Prof Mills promise at Winneba at the
weekend to reduce the price of fuel was ridiculous.
It said that Ghanaians understood that certain things were
beyond the complete control of the ruling government and
that the price of oil was one of these.
“When the NDC had a chance to prospect for oil with Prof
Mills at the helm of Ghana’s economic management team and
Hon John Mahama at his side, he chose to focus the GNPC on
everything except prospecting for oil. He has no credibility
on that issue”.
“Finally, all these are consistent with the NDC’s policy of
lying about everything just to get elected. We urge the
people of Ghana to reject them”
“We are for free education for the Senior High School level
and what is the NDC for?
“We are for strengthening NHIS and extending its benefits to
pregnant women and children and what are they for?
“We are for bridging the gap between the north and the south
and what are they for?
“We will foster the environment for entrepreneurs to create
the good, high-paying jobs of tomorrow and what are they
for?
“We are for doubling the size of the police and improving
the quality of their training and what is the NDC for?
“We are for a free, fair and peaceful election that will
make Ghana the model for the Zimbabwes and the Kenyas of our
world and what is the NDC for?"
GNA
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