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NPP began losing its core in 2007 after Akufo Addo choice- Rashid Tanko Computer
Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications GIFEC and Deputy Director of Elections for the National Democratic Congress NDC Rashid Tanko Computer has argued that the New Patriotic Party NPP began losing its core values in 2007.
He traced the decline to the party’s decision to elect Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo as flag bearer instead of Alan Kyerematen.
Mr Tanko Computer described the NPP formed in 1992 as a strong and disciplined political force that posed a serious challenge to the NDC.
He recalled that even after losing the 1992 presidential election, the NPP remained formidable, producing a well known report on the elections and maintaining a strong presence in national politics despite boycotting the parliamentary polls at the time.
According to him, figures such as Professor Albert Adu Boahen former President J A Kufuor and other early party leaders helped build a party that was respected even while in opposition.
He noted that the performance of NPP MPs after entering Parliament in 1996 made governance difficult for the NDC and contributed to the party’s victory in the 2000 elections.
However, Mr Tanko Computer stressed that things began to change in 2007 during the NPP flag bearer race.
He explained that the emergence of 17 aspirants alone was not the issue, but rather the calibre of candidates and the final choice the party made.
He argued that Alan Kyerematen was widely seen as a strong and popular candidate at the time, adding that within the NDC there was concern about facing him in a general election.
Mr Tanko Computer claimed that the election of Nana Akufo Addo marked the beginning of deep internal tensions within the NPP.
He referenced warnings he attributed to then President J A Kufuor, who cautioned party leaders against choosing a candidate who would bring tension and unrest to the party.
According to him, those warnings were ignored, leading to internal conflicts, including the removal of party executives, which he described as evidence of growing instability.
Mr Tanko Computer further argued that the NPP has now become fragmented, with what he described as active and virtual members within the party.
He explained that the virtual group refers to members who feel sidelined and disconnected from the current leadership.
He criticised the party’s recent strategy of electing a presidential candidate before reorganising the party, describing it as unusual and unhealthy.
He questioned how party executives who led the NPP to secure only 38 percent in the 2024 elections could oversee such a process without first rebuilding the party.
Mr Tanko Computer said these developments show how far the NPP has moved from the strong and united party it once was.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Majority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, says Parliament and government officials are working closely with authorities in the Netherlands following the detention of the Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North, Kwame Ohene Frimpong.
Speaking on the matter on Channel One news yesterday, Mr. Dafeamekpor disclosed that the MP was detained at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam on Sunday while travelling on a private trip.
According to him, Mr. Frimpong personally informed him about the incident around 5 a.m. on the day of the arrest.
He said the issue was immediately escalated to parliamentary leadership and other state officials for intervention.
Mr. Dafeamekpor explained that the Majority Leader, who was in transit at Heathrow Airport in London at the time, travelled to Schiphol to engage the detained MP and better understand the situation.
He added that the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ghana’s Ambassador to The Hague, the Attorney General, the Speaker of Parliament and the Clerk to Parliament had all been involved in efforts to address the matter.
According to him, a Ghanaian lawyer based in The Hague and qualified to practise there has also been engaged to represent the MP.
“The lawyer is dealing with the issues, but let me confirm that he is fine,” Mr. Dafeamekpor stated.
He noted that Parliament and the legal team were still waiting for official documents, including an authenticated copy of the arrest warrant and other details from Dutch prosecutors handling the matter.
The South Dayi MP therefore urged the media and the public to avoid speculation until all facts surrounding the case are confirmed.
“We want to urge all the media houses not to be throwing in things that have not been confirmed,” he said.
Mr. Dafeamekpor further explained that Parliament’s involvement was partly because the MP was travelling with a diplomatic passport.
He noted that extradition and detention cases involving political figures are not uncommon internationally, citing examples such as former Chilean leader Augusto Pinochet and Julian Assange.
According to him, authorities are hopeful the matter can be resolved for the MP to return to Ghana safely.
He appealed to the MP’s family, colleagues in Parliament and the public to remain calm while diplomatic and legal processes continue.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Ghana Water Ltd has announced temporary water supply interruptions in several parts of western Accra following technical challenges at the Weija Water Treatment Plant.
In a press release issued on May 13, the company explained that the challenges had affected water production and distribution in some communities.
According to the management of the company, residents in areas including Dansoman, Mamprobi, Mataheko, Laterbiokorshie, Korle Bu, La Paz, MacCarthy Hill, Gbawe, Mallam, Tesano, Darkuman, North Kaneshie, Dome, Achimota, Anyaa and Ablekuma may experience low water pressure and erratic water supply.
Management noted that engineers and technical teams were working to fix the problem and restore normal water supply as soon as possible.
The company advised consumers to store water whenever there is flow in their communities in order to manage the temporary disruption.
It urged essential service providers to contact their Assembly Members or the Ghana Water Ltd Call Centre for assistance.
The company apologized to customers affected by the situation and appealed for calm and cooperation while efforts continue to resolve the challenge.
By: Jacob Aggrey
