Afoko Explains Absence...."Akufo-Addo Did Not Invite Me" For Press Confab

The National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has stated that he was not invited to a press conference held by flagbearer Nana Akufo-Addo Friday morning.

Some observers have questioned Mr Afoko and Agyapong's absence at the press conference, which Mr Akufo-Addo used to call for peace in the party.

The party’s Commuincations Director, Nana Akomea, tried to provide an explanation for their absence, suggesting on Accra-based Joy FM that both men could not make it to the press conference because they were away on an assignment in Kumasi.

However, Mr Afoko's office sent a text message to Accra-based Asempa FM later in the afternoon of Friday to debunk the claim.

According to the National Chairman, no one invited him for the press conference.

The text message read: "The Chairman was needed informed [sic] neither was he invited to any occasion. The chairman continues to pray for peace n [sic] reason to prevail in the party and will communicate to party followers sooner than later. He urges all party faithfuls [sic] to keep their calm. Thank you. Paul A. Afoko."

At the press conference, Mr Akufo-Addo called on supporters of the party to be law-abiding and allow their National Chairman and General Secretary to access the party headquarters in Accra to work unhindered.

His calls comes after Mr Afoko and Mr Agyapong were denied access to the party's headquarters by a group calling itself the ‘Invisible Forces’ for the second straight week, following the murder of the Upper East regional chairman of the party, Mr Adams Mahama, via an acid attack. 

Both men have by accused by some members of the party of masterminding Mr Mahama’s death, following a feud they had with him during a visit to Bolgatanga.

They have consequently been asked to step aside to enable the party conduct investigations, but have declined to do so.

Mr Agyapong has been emphatic in saying that he is determined to see out his term in office.

“I have not resigned. I will not resign. I will stick to my position which I earned through my sweat and through the trust that the people of this party have in me. I have toiled and worked hard for this party and I am not ready to leave this position,” he stated Tuesday after rumours emerged that he had resigned.