My Own People Ganged Up Against Me - John Tia

Former Information Minister John Tia is looking forward to serving in John Mahama�s administration but says his own people plotted to have his Talensi seat snatched by the New Patriotic Party candidate. �It was an internally inflicted wound. There were some members of my party who vowed... and ganged up with the opposition to work against me,� he told Joy News� Elton John Brobbey. He said given the margin of victory by his presidential candidate in the constituency, there was no way he should have lost the Parliamentary seat. �Because my own people ganged up with the opposition to do skirt and blouse voting, the NPP candidate won the Parliamentary election,� he explained. Despite his defeat, the Talensi MP said he is still open for any appointment by the president. �I am capable of serving my party still in various capacities... Being out Parliament does not mean you are out of government... I am still available and prepared to serve mother Ghana,� he said. Asked if he was looking for a ministerial appointment the MP said: �I wouldn�t mind. Would I mind? It is still service to the nation. And I still feel that I am young and vibrant enough...� he stated. Tia has been in Parliament since 1993. His colleague New Patriotic Party MP for Agona West, Samuel Kweku Obodai said the internal plots and vote buying by the incumbent led to his defeat. He alleged the constituency organiser of the NPP was seen dancing with members of the NDC after his defeat. He also claimed the incumbent government distributed hair driers, sewing machines to people with other artisans being given money. �Monecracy in our politicking these days affected my loss. �All artisans in Swedru were given cheques to go to the Nyankrom rural bank. The whole place was flooded with queues,� he alleged. He said however that he needed rest and the defeat will provide him that ample rest.