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NPP Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe popularly called Abronye DC has likened the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to a “militant group” for asking its Member of Parliament for Kumbungu, Ras Mubarak to explain why he should not be sanctioned for supporting "YES" campaign in the December 17th Referendum contrary to direct orders of the party.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) last week issued a three-line whip asking its members and the Minority in Parliament to reject a YES vote.

Hon. Ras Mubarak, touching on the referendum, described the NDC's stance as weak and unconvincing, hence vowing to vote YES.

"I’m unconvinced about the reason to take a NO vote. I think that the argument for the NO vote is weak. I think it is unconvincing and I think it is inconvenient. For that reason, I’m in support of a YES vote and I’ll be canvassing for a YES vote. In the national interest and in good conscience, I cannot support any NO vote. The party expects all its members to tow the line but as I’ve indicated I’m unconvinced", he stated.

The party has queried Hon. Ras Mubarak over his position on the referendum which contravenes the directives of the party.

Abronye DC rebuked the NDC stating that under no circumstance should any person be told the way he/she should vote in any national election and that the NDC's query to Ras Mubarak shows the party is undemocratic and militant.

“Article 42 of the 1992 constitution emphatically stated that 'every citizen of Ghana of eighteen years of age or above and of sound mind has the right to vote and is entitled to be registered as a voter for the purposes of public elections and referenda' therefore no political party has any right to encroach on your right as a voter"

The system in all the political parties does not supersede the 1992 constitution, therefore under no circumstance should any political party infringe on your right to vote as a citizen, he said on UTV's “Adekye Nsoroma”.

Despite supporting a Yes vote for the referendum, Hon. Ras Mubarak has however in less than 24 hours  made a U-turn from his endorsement.

He has issued a statement saying "upon a sober reflection and advice from very distinguished senior party members, especially the Parliamentary leadership; I have come to the conclusion that it is improper to deviate from my party’s official position for a NO vote in the upcoming referendum on article 55(3) of the constitution. I recognize that my personal position must be subsumed under the broader interest of the party. I have therefore decided to uphold the party’s position for a NO vote on the matter".