By: Mudasiru Afari Techi
In a press statement by the NDC's Savannah Regional communications officer, RA Jalil, after an alleged fiscal scuffle in Busunu during the final funeral rite of the late Queen Mother (Busunuwurche) Ajara, RA Jalil stated that, "thugs from the NPP muddied the program with the tacit approval of government bureaucrats and indiscipline Party officials".
The statement is a response to the Gonjaland Youth Association who has called for an apology from both parties following the incident in Busunu.
But the NDC say they only responded to a provocation by the NPP and expects the association to be bold in calling them out.
The NDC said "H.E. John Dramani Mahama arrived in Busunu at 9:30 a.m but before his convoy could turn into the event grounds, a pickup truck bearing the NPP logo was purposefully stationed at the gate, presumably to prevent his convoy from passing through. This man remained resolute even after the police escort moved forward and told the pickup's driver to move. The young people in attendance then charged at him, causing a brawl that attracted the attention of a few men wearing uniforms. The car was eventually forced to move after three warning shots were fired, allowing the former president to take his place again."
The statement added, "As if that were not enough, 10 minutes into the official start of the program, a government delegation led by the Chief of Staff, Hon. Fremah Opare, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources; Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Savannah Regional Minister; Hon Saeed Muhazu Jibril and the S/R NPP Chairman suddenly appeared with a brass band, accompanied by some members of the NPP, in a clear act of distraction and intimidation."
He further stated that, "as anticipated, the NPP delegation was able to divert attention from the program for a few minutes, thanks to security. A group of young guys then approached the delegation in a frustrated attempt to get them to move to their seats so that the event could continue. These young people were struggling because of the crowd and several military-clad men with masks who were firing many times into the air."
The NDC again reminded the Gonjaland Youth Association that several of these disrespect to authority act by the NPP to "rudely and purposefully interrupt a gathering in the Gonja kingdom"
The NDC stated a few examples, "1.For a non-political celebration, Yagbonwura's Damba witnessed a large disfigurement of the Jakpa Palace on November 25, 2018, with images of Hon. MP for Damongo Samuel Abu Jinapor and the colours of the NPP.
2. On October 31, 2020, in Buipe, the DCE of the Central Gonja District and his regional party chairman, Alhaji Sulemana Kalamonia, arrived late to the Tabittal Pulaaku meeting, the annual conference of the Fulani community. As H.E. John Mahama was seated. He drove into the crowd, diverting everyone's attention.
3. The NPP disrepected Prof. Joshua Alabi, who was asked to represent them for the program by the special guests of honour, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, at the GonjaLand Youth Association Congress on March 27, 2022, in Daboya. Members of the NPP physically stopped him from going to the high table; once more, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor was present.
4. On March 22, 2023, during the coronation of Jira Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, the NPP bused hoodlums led by NPP N/R organizer Alhaji COP Rasheed to come and chant disrespectful insinuation to H.E Joh Mahama
The NDC finally accused the Member of Parliament for Damongo constituency and Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon Samuel Abu Jinapor, as masterminding all the needless acts
"One thing is evident from the chaos outlined above. The MP for Damongo has been involved in nearly all of this disruption. Therefore, rather than generalizing about the NPP's careless approach, we are asking on the GLYA to look into the faces of the lawmaker and his party and tell them the truth.
We therefore anticipate the NPP apologizing to the late queen mother's family and the people of Busunu for their disrespect towards the former president and for causing disruptions during the funeral.
The NDC S/R members vehemently condemn the government delegation's egregious disregard for H.E. John Dramani Mahama during the Queen mother's funeral, which was headed by the Chief of Staff.
We expect an unqualified apology from the NPP to the people of Busunu and the family of the late queen mother for disrespecting the former president and the distractions of the funeral.
From now on, we, the NDC, promise to confront anyone who wishes to disrespect H.E. John Dramani Mahama in his own area. Additionally, preparations are underway to safeguard and defend John Mahama whenever he enters the Savannah region.
Post a Comment