Sir John: Those Advancing Akyem/Ashanti Rivalry Argument Only Want The Downfall Of NPP
Ethnicity prejudice has been a major issue in Ghana�s largest opposition party, New Patriotic Party (NPP) over the years and it has generated some heated argument within party frontrunners.
Recently, a former Attorney General under Ex-President Kufour�s administration, Nii Ayikoi Otoo warned the party to resolve the �Akyem-Ashanti� rift or remain in opposition forever. According to Nii Ayikoi Otoo, who has also declared his intention to contest the party�s national chairmanship position, the two ethnic groups must bond to present a formidable candidate that will help the party recapture political power in the 2016 polls.
He noted that, the rivalry contributed to the party�s electoral losses in 2008 and 2012 but hopes it will be resolved before 2016.
But in a sharp riposte, NPP�s General Secretary, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie aka Sir John, says ethnic rift does not exist in the NPP.
According to him, despite Nana Addo being an Akyem, the Ashanti�s endorsed his candidateship in 2008 and 2012 and voted for him massively.
�There is nothing like ethnic rivalry in the NPP. Anyone who will say that is not being truthful. Nana Akufo-Addo�s stronghold is in the Ashanti region. It�s surprising how the Ashanti�s hailed him and I have never seen such gesture in this world. There is no truth in what they are saying.
��Those who want the downfall and division of the party are those saying there is ethnic rift in the party. The NPP party doesn�t have Aykem and Ashanti�s, we are all one. Even Nana Addo got more votes in the Ashanti region than in the Eastern region,� outspoken Sir John told Adom FM.