Richard Adjei Mensah Ofori Atta Chairman for Manhyia South
• As schemes and Unyielding Determination to Undo Each Other Deepens
In the strongest hold of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), tensions escalate as accusations fly and responses grow more intense in the heated race for the 2024 running mate position.
Richard Adjei Mensah Ofori Atta, fondly referred to as Chairman Tom-tom, the Constituency Chairman for Manhyia South, has vehemently addressed allegations concerning his interactions with party figures, particularly the Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi. Ofori Atta has challenged the party, asserting that the Ashanti Region lacks a Disciplinary Committee to preside over a disciplinary case.
In a comprehensive response to an invitation to attend the Disciplinary Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 19, 2024, Mr. Atta offers a robust rebuttal, dismissing the allegations against him. He highlights procedural irregularities and reiterates his commitment to due process within the party’s structure. Mr. Atta raises concerns about the venue chosen for discussing the petition against him, stressing the need for transparency and adherence to established protocols.
Expressing concerns over the absence of statutory committees and seeking clarity on the composition and proceedings of the Regional Disciplinary Committee, Mr. Atta calls for evidence and documentation to support his defense. Despite facing serious accusations, Mr. Atta remains steadfast, expressing willingness to engage with party leadership once procedural fairness is ensured.
On the opposing front, Paul Kwabena Yandoh, the Ashanti Regional Communication Director of the NPP, has lodged a petition against Mr. Atta, alleging a pattern of behavior detrimental to party unity and reputation. The petition catalogs instances of disparagement and disrespect towards senior party officials, including Chairman Wontumi and the National Organizer, Lawyer Henry Nana Boakye “Nana B”.
Among the allegations are claims of malicious intent, including accusations of trading the party’s presidential running mate slot for personal gain, charges vehemently denied by Mr. Atta. The petition underscores the urgency of investigating these allegations and enforcing appropriate sanctions to uphold party cohesion and integrity.
According to Yandoh, on January 18th, 2024, Mr. Ofori Atta issued a press release and engaged in radio interviews, openly disparaging the National Organizer, Lawyer Henry Nana Boakye “Nana B”, and the Regional Chairman, Mr. Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi. His actions, including the circulation of demeaning materials on WhatsApp platforms, have drawn criticism for their disrespectful tone towards senior party figures.
Further exacerbating tensions, Mr. Ofori Atta’s comments on the Wontumi-Manhyia issue, made prior to the ruling of the Kumasi Traditional Council, have been viewed as misleading and damaging to the reputation of the council and the party stronghold. His subsequent statements on radio, alleging misconduct by the Ashanti Regional Chairman, have added fuel to the fire, with accusations of trading the party’s presidential running mate slot for personal gain.
Despite the storm brewing, Mr. Atta maintains his ground, asserting his unwavering commitment to the NPP and its principles. As the political landscape heats up, all eyes remain fixed on the unfolding drama, with the unity and future of the party hanging in the balance.
Expressing readiness to engage with the Regional Executive Committee once due process is followed, Mr. Atta highlights pre-existing business engagements and medical appointments outside the country. He requests that any meeting be scheduled for July 2024 to allow for adequate preparation.
In Atta’s understanding, the invitation lacks legal basis.
‘In accordance with the 1992 Constitution of Ghana I kindly request for copies of the alleged posts, documents and audio recordings stated in the said petition to enable me to prepare my defense.
Having carefully analyzed the developments, I can state with all certainty that the process by which the above letter was written and sent to me was not in accordance with due process.
As a constituency chairman who believes in the constitution of the party, I am ready to respond to any invitation from the Regional Executive Committee once the Regional Disciplinary Committee is duly constituted in line with our constitution, and I will come forward with my evidence’. He asserted.
It’s no secret that Chairman Wontumi opposes Mathew Opoku Prempeh’s potential candidacy as Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia’s running mate for the 2024 presidential elections.
To Wontumi and his allies, this presents an opportunity to retaliate against Mathew Opoku Prempeh. They believe that he supported COKA in its efforts to unseat Wontumi during his bid for a third term, so they are unwilling to sit idly by and let Mathew Opoku Prempeh gain favor as a potential running mate.
On the other hand, Mathew Opoku Prempeh and his supporters are equally determined to diminish Wontumi’s perceived power and influence. This has led to both sides employing various tactics to undermine each other’s positions.
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