Dzifa Attivor�s Tribal Comments Can Destroy Ghana - Volta NDC Chairman

The Volta Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned tribal comments from former Transport Minister, Dzifa Aku Attivor, that a New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration would jail Voltarians if they win power.

John Kwadwo Gyapong, speaking on Adom FM Wednesday said the comments and that from other politicians have the tendency to destroying Ghana.

“Politics is history and I know she was speaking from history…but making such a statement is unfortunate and going on that tangent would destroy Ghana…,” he said.

While addressing NDC supporters in Ketu South Dzifa Attivor, who resigned from the Transport Ministry after the GHC 3.6 million Smartys bus branding saga, expressed fears she will be imprisoned if the NPP wrestles power from the NDC in the 2016 general elections.

Referring to the record of the NPP government between 2001 to 2008, Dzifa Attivor claimed the NPP targeted only members of her ethnic group for prosecution.

“When the NPP won power in 2001, most ministers who are Ewes were imprisoned, including Selormey and Abodakpi and a host of other ministers. Does that mean that no individual from any other tribe has faulted in the discharge of their duties?,” she said in her native language while addressing NDC supporters at the launch of a group called 'Ketu South For Fiifi and Mahama'  at Wodoaba in the Ketu South district of the Volta region.

The comment has attracted wide condemnation both from politicians and members of the public at large.

While the NPP described the comments as unfortunate, the Peace Council has slammed her and cautioned voters to refrain from voting for politicians who campaign on tribal basis.

And Kwadwo Gyapong insisted her comparison was without basis since according to him the Volta Region is not only made up of Ewes but other tribes as well. “I am an Akan myself and not an Ewe, so Volta Region is big…if you want unity, there are certain things you shouldn’t do…,” he added.

The NDC chair further urged politicians especially those from the NPP to stop making comments that marginalize the people of the Volta Region.

“The other party (NPP) should also stop making inciting statements against Volta Region because that is what prompts some of our people to also say these remarks…we should embark on a campaign devoid of tribal comments…it should be a campaign of issues,” he said.