The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Bongo constituency is calling for action following a disturbing video that has gone viral on social media. The video shows an alleged supporter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) from the Bongo constituency threatening the life of Madam Diana Aburiya, the NPP parliamentary candidate.
In the video, the individual, identified as Azabra Godwin Aduko, a member of the NDC, incites the public to set ablaze the NPP parliamentary candidate, Diana Aburiya, upon seeing her.
The NPP condemned the alleged threats during a press conference and urged law enforcement agencies to take immediate action against the individual featured in the video.
The party also criticized the NDC and its parliamentary candidate, Lawyer Bawa-Dua, for failing to denounce the actions of their party member. The NPP’s concerns are rooted in the NDC’s lack of a public distancing from the individual’s violent remarks.
Anaane Johnson Ayikene, the NPP Bongo constituency Secretary, stated that the NDC’s silence since the video went viral raises questions about the party’s stance on violence and its commitment to a peaceful electoral process.
“Given that these threats come from an individual who not only resides in the NDC candidate’s electoral area but also refers to him as a ‘brother,’ it deepens their complacency. The close relationship between the perpetrator and the NDC candidate leaves us with valid reasons to question the party’s involvement in, or at least tacit approval of, this shameful act. Their silence on the matter since it surfaced on social media nearly a week ago is troubling,” he said.
“It is no surprise that a baby monkey will always squat like the mother. What more do we need to witness to understand that Charles Bawaduah is merely echoing the rhetoric that has been repeatedly pushed by their national leadership? The NDC’s refusal to commit to signing any peace pact ahead of the 2024 general elections speaks volumes about their direction. This refusal only strengthens our belief that these threats and acts of intimidation are not isolated incidents but part of a broader strategy encouraged at the highest levels of the party.”
Mr. Anaane added that their candidate remains committed to sharing her positive messages with constituents and preparing to represent them in Parliament after the December 7th general election.
“The NPP is fully aware that the NDC candidate lacks any significant track record when it comes to the developmental progress of the constituency. Our parliamentary candidate has made substantial contributions, particularly in improving the lives of women by facilitating access to credit, lobbying for the drilling of boreholes in multiple communities, and making personal donations to various educational institutions. The same cannot be said about Lawyer Charles Bawaduah.
“His belief that he can win the election appears to stem from a longstanding notion within the NDC that even if they were to feature a goat adorned with party paraphernalia, the people of Bongo would still vote for it. This mentality is not only disrespectful to the people of Bongo but also undermines the essence of democracy.”
Meanwhile, the NDC in the Bongo constituency has yet to respond to the concerns raised by the NPP.
Below is the full press release.
PRESS STATEMENT: RESPONSE TO THREATS AGAINST NPP PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATE FOR BONGO CONSTITUENCY
Good afternoon to our esteemed media partners, ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of the Parliamentary Candidate and the leadership of our great party in the Bongo Constituency, we extend our sincere gratitude for honouring our invitation to this press conference, despite the short notice.
We have gathered here today to address the alarming and unwarranted threats made against the life of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate in the Bongo Constituency. These threats were issued by a known member and activist of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Azabra Godwin Aduko, who hails from the same electoral area as the NDC Parliamentary Candidate. On the said threat, Mr Azabra Godwin is seen in a video issuing the threat to effect that anyone who sees our PC should set fire on her (video attached). This treacherous act, which was spread across various social media platforms shortly after our candidate’s visit to the area, is a clear attempt to intimidate both our candidate and the many supporters of the NPP. It is also a dangerous effort to undermine the democratic process in our country. The NPP stands firm in our belief in peaceful, democratic elections, where candidates and their supporters can freely campaign without fear for their safety. Acts of intimidation and threats of violence have no place in our democratic dialogue, and we urge all political actors to reject such behaviour.
As a party that upholds the principles of democracy, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) recognizes the importance of all political parties acting responsibly to safeguard the peaceful political environment we currently enjoy. It is within this context that the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) should not only have distanced themselves from the malicious threats made against our candidate, but also condemned same outright. Their conspicuous silence on the matter raises serious concerns and leads us to believe that the NDC and their Parliamentary Candidate may be complicit in this despicable act of threats and intimidation aimed at their main political opponent.
Furthermore, given that these threats come from an individual who not only resides in the NDC candidate’s electoral area but who also refers to him as a “brother,” goes to deepened their complacency. The close relationship between the perpetrator and the NDC candidate leaves us with valid reasons to question the party’s involvement in, or at least tacit approval of, this shameful act. Thus, their loud silence on the matter ever since it hit social media platforms almost a week ago. It is no surprise that “a baby monkey will always squat like the mother.” What more do we need to witness to understand that Charles Bawaduah is merely echoing the rhetoric that has been repeatedly pushed by their national leadership? The refusal of the NDC to even commit to signing any peace pact in Ghana ahead of the 2024 general elections speaks volumes about the direction they are taking. This refusal only strengthens our belief that these threats and acts of intimidation are not isolated incidents, but rather part of a broader strategy being encouraged at the highest levels of the party.
In the political history of Bongo Constituency, we have seen many Parliamentary Candidates come and go, but never before have we witnessed such treacherous conduct. Why now, in the era of Lawyer Charles Bawaduah? Is it because our current Parliamentary Candidate is a woman, and therefore an easy target for intimidation? During an interview on A1 Radio, the NDC’s Parliamentary Candidate himself implied that “even men have tried but failed,” suggesting that a “mere woman” has little chance of succeeding. This statement is not only a clear attack on the capability of women but also a blatant example of gender-based disrespect. What makes this even more troubling is the fact that Lawyer Charles Bawaduah has conducted his campaign, even organizing a football gala right in the backyard of our Parliamentary Candidate, without ever facing threats to his life or those of his supporters. Why should our candidate not receive the same respect and freedom to campaign? Is it solely because she is a woman? Such barbaric attitudes have no place in our political discourse, and the sooner the NDC wakes up to this reality, the better it will be for the peace and tranquillity of Bongo.
In recent times, the NPP has had to report to the police about the continuous defacing and removal of posters of both our Presidential and Parliamentary Candidates. The police have consistently asked for evidence to identify those responsible for such acts. This incident clearly illustrates the issue, as a member of the NDC was caught holding our Parliamentary Candidate’s poster while issuing a vile threat against her life. Our Candidate being a mother a peace-loving politician has repeatedly urged NPP supporters to refrain from defacing or removing opponents’ posters. This explains why the NDC candidate’s posters are visible throughout the constituency, while many of ours have been taken down.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is fully aware that the NDC candidate lacks any significant track record when it comes to the developmental progress of the constituency. While our Parliamentary Candidate has made substantial contributions, particularly in improving the lives of women by facilitating access to credit facilities, lobbying for the drilling of boreholes across multiple communities, and making personal donations to various educational institutions, the same cannot be said about Lawyer Charles Bawaduah. His only belief that he can win the election appears to stem from a longstanding notion within the NDC that says, “even if they were to feature a goat adorned with party paraphernalia, the people of Bongo would still vote for it.” This mentality is not only disrespectful to the people of Bongo but also undermines the essence of democracy. The NPP believes in meaningful development and leadership that serves the people, and our candidate’s record speaks to that commitment. It’s time for the NDC to abandon these outdated and divisive tactics, and for all of us to focus on what truly matters—the development and progress of Bongo Constituency.
The NPP would urge the leadership of the NDC to take immediate and decisive action against their marauding members who believe that violence is the key to their candidates’ success. It is essential for the NDC to demonstrate their commitment to peace by addressing these issues internally. Simultaneously, we call on the Ghana Police Service and all relevant security agencies to promptly investigate these threats and ensure the safety of our Parliamentary Candidate and her team. These threats must not be taken lightly, and the security of all candidates and citizens must be prioritized as we approach the 2024 general election.
The NPP remains unwavering in our dedication to a peaceful, issue-based campaign in our Constituency and across the country. Our candidate will not be discouraged by these threats and will continue her work, engaging with the people of Bongo on the issues that matter most to them. We appeal to all Ghanaians, particularly our supporters, to remain calm and steadfast in maintaining peace as we prepare for the upcoming elections. Our party is a civil political institution that believes in justice, not retaliation. We do not support responding to evil with evil. We also encourage our political opponents to join us in ensuring that the democratic process remains free from violence and intimidation. The NPP stands firm in our belief that democracy thrives on peace, mutual respect, and the rule of law. We will continue to advocate for these principles, no matter the challenges we face.
Thank you all for coming and may God Bless our Motherland Ghana.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com | 101.1MHZ | David Azure | Bolgatanga
