Amores Blessing, the Greater Accra Regional Youth Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Regional Secretary aspirant, has accused Abanga, the newly elected New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Youth Organiser, of using a recent demonstration for self-promotion. The demonstration was held to protest the evacuation of Ghanaians from abroad. Mr Blessing stated that although demonstrations are legitimate democratic tools, the NPP's motive behind the demonstration was questionable. He argued that if the NPP genuinely wanted an investigation into the evacuation exercise, they should have formally referred the allegations to the appropriate investigative institutions.
Mr Blessing further questioned why the opposition had not formally petitioned the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), or other relevant agencies if they genuinely wanted an investigation. He stated that the Mahama-led administration had not restricted the opposition's right to demonstrate and that the government remained committed to protecting democratic freedoms. Mr Blessing also defended Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, dismissing the accusations against him as unsubstantiated.
According to Mr Blessing, those making claims of financial impropriety against Mr Ablakwa must provide credible evidence. He challenged the opposition to identify individuals who allegedly did not receive money connected to the evacuation exercise, arguing that their claims should be properly examined. Mr Blessing expressed confidence that President John Dramani Mahama would not shield any appointee if credible evidence of wrongdoing emerged.
Mr Blessing also recalled that former Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Samuel Abu Jinapor had previously indicated that there was nothing untoward about the evacuation exercise, questioning the basis of the opposition's current concerns. He stressed that the government was not opposed to investigations but insisted that allegations should be formally reported to institutions with the mandate to investigate them.
Turning to the demolition of structures at Laboma Beach, Mr Blessing criticised former Greater Accra Regional Minister Titus Glover over his comments on the exercise, accusing him of inconsistency. He questioned Mr Glover's criticism of the current government's actions, arguing that he had supported similar demolition measures while serving as regional minister.
Mr Blessing maintained that politicians must uphold consistent positions on public issues irrespective of whether their parties are in government or opposition. He concluded that the NPP remained free to organise demonstrations and express its concerns but insisted that such activities would not distract the government from its development agenda.
The NDC youth organiser stated that Ghanaians would ultimately assess the Mahama administration's performance at the 2028 general elections. He emphasised that the government remained committed to its development agenda and would not be swayed by opposition demonstrations.
Key points
- Amores Blessing accuses NPP Youth Organiser Abanga of using demonstration for self-promotion
- Mr Blessing defends Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa over evacuation allegations
- Mr Blessing criticises Titus Glover over Laboma Beach demolitions comments
