Dr. Bryan Acheampong, the Minister of Food and Agriculture and Member of Parliament for Abetifi, has sought to clarify his recent remarks regarding the December 2024 elections, which have ignited a firestorm of controversy and accusations of inciting violence.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme on Monday, Mr. Acheampong addressed the backlash from his statement made during a campaign event in Nsawam, where he asserted that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) would retain power “by all means necessary.” These comments were widely interpreted as suggesting that the NPP might resort to unlawful or violent tactics to win the election.
Misquoted and Taken Out of Context
Bryan Acheampong emphasized that his words had been misquoted and taken out of context. He explained that his intent was not to incite violence or imply that the NPP would engage in any illegal activities to secure victory. Instead, he was merely underscoring the party’s determination to win the election through legitimate, democratic means.
“I never said what they are accusing me of,” Acheampong clarified. “I was simply stressing that, as a political party, our aim is to win the election, and we are doing everything possible to achieve that.”
Confidence in NPP’s Track Record
Acheampong’s comments, he insisted, were rooted in the NPP’s confidence in its performance and the strong support base it has cultivated. He argued that the government’s achievements and the natural core support for the NPP form the foundation of the party’s optimism heading into the elections.
“We have a natural core support base, and the government’s performance speaks for itself,” he elaborated. “The NDC is trying to disgrace the NPP to gain votes, but we are confident that we will win.”
Emphasis on Legitimate Means
The Minister reiterated that his remarks were focused on the NPP’s efforts to win the election fairly, based on its track record, and not through any unlawful actions. He expressed frustration over the negative interpretation of his statement, asserting that his message was intended to convey confidence, not a threat.
“When I said the NPP will win, I meant it because I know how hard the government has worked,” Acheampong stated. “My statement was not meant to be taken negatively.”
Political Rivalry Intensifies
Acheampong’s clarification comes in the wake of intense criticism, with opponents accusing him of advocating for electoral malpractices. This controversy has further fueled the already heated political rivalry between the NPP and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), as both parties ramp up their campaigns and rhetoric in the lead-up to the December 2024 elections.
Source: GhanaFeed.Com