Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku, has expressed concerns that the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) government's actions may alienate supporters and weaken the party's hold on power. Speaking to JoyNews on the sidelines of the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) Delegates Conference in Kumasi, Mr Awuku warned that the NDC's conduct could lead to electoral defeat. He pointed to the demolition of structures at Labadi as one development that could deepen discontent among the governing party's grassroots supporters.
Mr Awuku claimed that some of the affected people in Labadi were supporters of President John Dramani Mahama who depended on their businesses for their livelihoods. He argued that the demolitions could have political consequences because the affected area falls within a constituency represented by an NDC MP. The MP suggested that the NDC's actions could lead to a loss of seats in the upcoming elections. He expressed sadness for the foot soldiers of the party who worked tirelessly for their party to form government but are now bearing the impact of government decisions.
Mr Awuku further alleged that some grassroots supporters felt betrayed and were threatening not to vote for the party again. He criticised what he described as arbitrary arrests and the persecution of opposition activists. He warned that such practices could create a precedent that might eventually affect the NDC and its younger supporters. Mr Awuku also suggested that the government was acting as though it had already conceded that it would eventually lose power.
The Akuapem North MP weighed in on the arrest of lawyer Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), which has sparked public debate. He questioned why a specialised court was able to sit over the weekend to hear the case, contrasting the situation with the earlier Salomey matter. Mr Awuku cautioned that the handling of political opponents could fuel calls for retaliation if the NPP returns to power.
Mr Awuku welcomed what he described as increasing criticism of the government from the media, civil society organisations, and religious leaders, saying such voices were beginning to speak out. He expressed hope that decent voices would continue to criticise the government's actions. The MP also warned that if the NPP returns to power, supporters could pressure a future NPP administration to treat the NDC in a similar manner.
Mr Awuku's comments come after the NPP's Delegates Conference in Kumasi, where the party elected new national executives. The conference saw the election of new officials, including Titus Glover as National Organiser and Hawa Koomson as National Women's Organiser. The NPP has been critical of the NDC government's actions, and Mr Awuku's comments are likely to further escalate tensions between the two parties.
The NDC government has yet to respond to Mr Awuku's comments, but the party has been facing criticism from various stakeholders over its handling of opposition activists and grassroots supporters. The government's actions have sparked public debate, with many calling for a more inclusive and tolerant approach to governance. As the country prepares for upcoming elections, the NDC and NPP are likely to engage in further battles for support.
Key points
- Sammy Awuku likens NDC's conduct to 'running into opposition like Usain Bolt'.
- NDC's actions could lead to electoral defeat, warns Sammy Awuku.
- Arbitrary arrests and persecution of opposition activists criticised by Sammy Awuku.
