A Deputy National Communications Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Malik Basintale, has issued a strong response to the New Patriotic Party's Bryan Acheampong, over some comments he made against the party concerning the 2024 election.
The Minister of Food and Agriculture and MP for Abetifi had asserted with confidence that the NDC would never win the 2024 elections, regardless of their efforts.
Mr. Acheampong at a campaign rally by the party's Presidential Candidate, Dr. Mahamamudu Bawumia in Nsawam, reiterated the NPP’s resolve to secure victory in the elections at all costs.
The politician cum businessman, who has faced scrutiny over his botched attempt to acquire a 60% stake in four hotels owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) through his Rock City Hotel, confidently asserted that the NDC would not win the 2024 elections.
“I have said that whether the NDC likes it or not, they will never win the 2024 elections. They will not win. You can check their records. The NPP exists to win elections,” Acheampong declared.
In response to Mr Acheampong's claims at the NDC's Upper West Regional campaign launch, Mr. Basintale cautioned him and his party not to attempt to hold onto power if former President John Mahama wins.
“We just observed when he [Bryan Acheampong] attempted to take over the hotels, and we intervened. And now he dares to say he will not hand over power to former President Mahama? I have a message for him; on December 9th, if the people vote for John Mahama and your MPs, if he is truly a man, let him refuse to hand over power, and he will see what happens. When iron meets iron, you will see fire.”
Mr Basintale also addressed issues surrounding the return of fertilizers that were allegedly diverted to Burkina Faso.
He suggested that pressure from Burkina Faso's President Ibrahim Traoré, who reportedly refused the fertilizers, led to their return. “Someone told me we might not be able to locate the fertilizer, but I said the same donkeys that took the fertilizer to Burkina will show us where it is, and they will bring it back.”
Mr. Basintale concluded by expressing his pride in the turnout at the campaign event and his confidence in the support for the NDC in the Upper West Region. “When I return to Accra, you can expect more fireworks because I know we have the backing, and I know the Upper West Region is solidly behind the NDC and John Mahama.”
He also criticized the NPP over the Finance Minister's recent apology to Ghanaians for economic hardships, questioning if they could bring back the lives lost among pensioner bondholders or erase the disgrace suffered by those affected by the collapse of banks over the past seven years.
Credit: Mavis Sekyibea Addo