The Gomoa Central constituency executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have publicly threatened legal action against the Gomoa National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communication Director, Mr. Carlos Anokye, due to alleged defamatory statements made about the constituency’s Member of Parliament, Hon. Naana Eyiah. This declaration was made during a press conference held in Gomoa Ekwamkrom, where the NPP executives asserted their commitment to combatting the claims being circulated by Mr. Anokye. They insisted that he provide verifiable proof within 24 hours to substantiate the accusations of misconduct leveled against Hon. Eyiah, who also serves as the Deputy Minister for Interior.
Mr. Mohamed Hakeem, the NPP constituency secretary, emphasized the seriousness of the allegations made by Mr. Anokye, who purportedly claimed that Hon. Eyiah has been involved in unethical practices relating to the recruitment of youth into security services. Specifically, Anokye accused the MP of unjustly receiving 50 recruitment slots every six months and collaborating with a suspended NPP chairman, Mr. Philemon Kobina Darko, to sell these positions for personal gain. Hakeem characterized these claims as a blatant smear designed to tarnish the reputation of Hon. Eyiah and disrupt the unity within the constituency.
The NPP executives, alongside their leadership, expressed their collective support for Hon. Eyiah and urged her to respond to these baseless allegations. They articulated their frustrations over the politicization of personal character through unfounded accusations, highlighting the need for political discourse to focus on ideas and policies rather than personal attacks. The sentiment expressed by the spokespersons was that political campaigns should be marked by integrity and respect, rather than being marred by controversy and rumor-mongering.
In addition to the recruitment allegations, Mr. Anokye is also accused of suggesting that Hon. Eyiah has been profiting improperly from government activities, further fueling discontent among party affiliations and the electorate. The NPP leaders condemned these assertions and reiterated their call for evidence to be brought forth. They underscored their belief that such allegations harm the political landscape and distract from substantive discussions, which are crucial during campaign periods.
The NPP stated a clear intention to pursue legal recourse if Mr. Anokye fails to provide the evidence within the stipulated time frame. They stressed that defamation and personal attacks have no place in political discourse, thereby urging all political factions, particularly in Gomoa Central, to engage in more constructive and respectful dialogues. An emphasis was also placed on the importance of maintaining a healthy political environment that focuses on the welfare of the constituents rather than on slanderous tactics.
In conclusion, the NPP’s actions represent a broader desire among political entities to cultivate a political culture that prioritizes civil engagement and truth over discord and misinformation. The party’s leadership aims to counteract the divisiveness of false allegations while reinforcing the commitment to represent their constituents positively. By advocating for a campaign grounded in policy and respect, the NPP is signaling a desire to restore integrity to the electoral process in Gomoa Central, thereby setting a precedent for future political interactions.
