How can we entrust dev’t of Berekum into hooligan NPP? – NDC condemns attack on MCE

The National Democratic Congress in the Berekum East constituency in the Bono Region of Ghana has roundly condemn the violent behaviour of the supporters of the ruling New Patriotic Party in Berekum.

On Monday, some members of the New Patriotic Party in Berekum were seen on a viral video carrying out a serious vandalization exercise of office equipment, including laptops, plastic chairs, tables, bulbs as well as breaking portions of the office door.

These highly infuriated members, claim of a deliberate attempt by some party officials to deny them access to polling station nomination forms ahead of their upcoming polling station elections scheduled for Thursday, February 24 as earlier on communicated by their Director of Elections and Research on a memo dated February 14, 2022.

At a press conference organized by the NDC communication bereau in Berekum East, the communication officer, Mr Kumi Ortis, in his remark, vehemently condemned the actions of the irate members of the NPP and described their act as a breach of public peace.

Mr Kumi Ortis, further condemned their action which resulted in the attack on the Municipal Chief Executive for Berekum East and the maiming of the son of the MCE, which led to his admission at the Holy Family Hospital in Berekum.

”It will be recalled that several incidents of these nature with the potency to affect the development of Berekum keep on repeating itself since the NPP took power from the NDC” he said.

The communication officer then called on all well-meaaning people of Berekum and its environs to add their voices to these unfortunate issues, particularly at the time youth unemployment is at a record high, coupled with persistent increase in fuel pricing and its attendant increase in prices of goods and services including ‘Okada’ fares popular known as ‘Pragyia.

Kindly read the full statement below

PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESSED BY THE NDC BEREKUM EAST CONSTITUENCY COMMUNICATION
BUREAU ON THE RECENT VANDALIZATION OF GOVERNMENT PROPERTIES WITHIN THE BEREKUM MUNICIPALITY BY IRATE NPP HOOLIGANS.

THURSDAY, 24TH FEBRURARY, 2022.

Good morning distinguished ladies and gentlemen of the media, Nananom, Berekumman, and all invitees herein gathered.

On behalf of the National Democratic Congress NDC and concerned citizens of Berekum, we thank you all for honoring our invitation at such short notice and welcome you to this important press conference.

Distinguished friends from the media and all invitees, the NDC in Berekum East Constituency is totally appalled by the recent acts of violence and terrorism that has characterized the body politics in Berekum and its environs by some known New Patriotic Party hoodlums.

Irrespective of our social and political differences, we think this development is dangerous and inimical to the development and peace agenda of Berekum.

1. It will be recalled that several incidents of theses nature with the potency to affect the development of Berekum keep on repeating itself since the NPP took power from the NDC. It is still fresh in our minds about the encounter between Nananom of Berekum traditional council and these same NPP hoodlums, party executives and the MCE regarding the construction of an ultra-modern toilet facility for the good people of Berekum which resulted in a bloody clash and
got the project stalled till date.

2. A similar incident also took place between the MCE and the then sitting Member of Parliament, Hon. Dr. kwabena twum Nuamah and these same constituency executives in 2019 about the construction of the Rawlings market project to serve the people of Berekum.
As we speak now the said project is stalled because of this same violence.

3. Moreover, it also happened that, the party chairman, Hon. Kwaku Kankam and some party executives were severely assaulted by these same NPP hoodlums that affected the health condition of the chairman till date.

It is not surprising that we are witnessing today another unfortunate vandalism on the 20th and 21st of February at the NPP party’s office and at the MCEs residence respectively. It will be recalled that sequel to the announcement of the release of nomination forms for the upcoming polling station election by the NPP, a statement was issued by the NPP national headquarters that some party bigwigs such as Hon. Alan Kwadwo Kyeremanteng and the vice president H.E Dr. Alhaji Mahammud Bawumia have paid for all the forms meant for the upcoming polling station elections, and that they are for free and available in all the constituencies.

Sadly but unsurprisingly, it was alleged that the MCE of Berekum Hon Kofi Adjei took stock of these forms and shared it among his favorites aspirants to the neglect of others perceived to be supporters of Hon. Dr Kwabena Twum-Nuamah and Hon Kwadwo Alan Kyeremanteng. This resulted in the magnitude of violence we are witnessing today in Berekum municipality.

The irate youth attacked and destroyed the NPP party office where items such as laptops, refrigerators, television set, air conditions and tainted glasses were all raised down.

Also, the NPP party secretary and the communication director received slaps at the party office. The Member of Parliament and the MCE who though narrowly escaped the wrath of these hooligans had their residence attacked.

For instance, the irate youth succeeded in attacking and maiming the son of the MCE who is currently admitted at the hospital.

On this note, how can we then entrust the development of Berekum and the entire nation to these hooligans? NO.

In conclusion, we are therefore by this press conference inviting all well-meaaning people of Berekum and its environs to add their voices to these unfortunate issues, particularly at the time youth unemployment is at a record high coupled with persistent increase in fuel pricing and its attendant increase in prices of goods and services including ‘Okada’ fares popular known as ‘Pragyia’.

Moreover we the NDC and the concerned citizens of Berekum are convinced that the president, Nana Akufo Addo and his vice Dr. Mahmmud Bawumia are to be blamed for these atrocities happening throughout the country. The question then is, since when did DCEs or MCEs become party agents for collection and distribution of party polling station election materials? What then is the role and functions of the constituency chairman?

Again, how do MCEs/DCEs who are agents of development focus and concentrate on local development. No wonder this government continue to fail in all aspect of development in Berekum and the entire nation.

Thank you all for coming.

Long live Berekumman

Long live the Great NDC

Long live our homeland Ghana

Signed

Kumi Ortis
Communication Officer, NDC Berekum East

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020405550