Greater Accra Regional Youth Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Regional Secretary aspirant, Amores Blessing, has accused newly elected New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Youth Organiser Abanga of using a recent demonstration to promote himself rather than pursue genuine accountability over the evacuation of Ghanaians from abroad.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Morning Show, Mr Blessing said although demonstrations were legitimate democratic tools, the NPP should demonstrate its commitment to accountability by formally referring the allegations to the appropriate investigative institutions.
He maintained that the Mahama-led administration had not restricted the opposition’s right to demonstrate, arguing that the government remained committed to protecting democratic freedoms.
However, he questioned the motive behind the demonstration, suggesting that it was largely intended to announce Abanga’s emergence as the NPP’s new National Youth Organiser and establish his presence within the party.
Mr Blessing further questioned why the opposition had not formally petitioned the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) or other relevant agencies if it genuinely wanted an investigation into the evacuation exercise.
“If you genuinely want a probe, why have you bypassed all these agencies?” he asked.
Defends Ablakwa over evacuation allegations
On allegations against Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Mr Blessing dismissed the accusations as unsubstantiated, insisting that those making claims of financial impropriety must provide credible evidence.
He challenged the opposition to identify individuals who allegedly did not receive money connected to the evacuation exercise, arguing that their claims should be properly examined.
He also maintained that President John Dramani Mahama would not shield any appointee if credible evidence of wrongdoing emerged, expressing confidence that appropriate action would be taken if Mr Ablakwa were found to have acted improperly.
Mr Blessing further recalled that former Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Samuel Abu Jinapor had previously indicated that there was nothing untoward about the evacuation exercise, questioning the basis of the opposition’s current concerns.
He stressed that the government was not opposed to investigations but insisted that allegations should be formally reported to institutions with the mandate to investigate them.
Questions NPP’s consistency on Laboma Beach demolitions
Turning to the demolition of structures at Laboma Beach, Mr Blessing criticised former Greater Accra Regional Minister Titus Glover over his comments on the exercise, accusing him of inconsistency.
He questioned Mr Glover’s criticism of the current government’s actions, arguing that he had supported similar demolition measures while serving as regional minister.
Mr Blessing maintained that politicians must uphold consistent positions on public issues irrespective of whether their parties are in government or opposition.
He concluded that the NPP remained free to organise demonstrations and express its concerns but insisted that such activities would not distract the government from its development agenda.
He said Ghanaians would ultimately assess the Mahama administration’s performance at the 2028 general elections.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah