Listowel Nana Poku, a member of the Good Governance Advocacy Group Ghana, has criticised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for holding a demonstration on Ghana’s National Day of Mourning, describing the timing as insensitive and inappropriate.
Speaking with Citizen Kofi Owusu on Ahotor FM’s Adekyee Mu Nsem programme in Accra, Listowel Nana Poku said political differences should never outweigh humanity and compassion.
“I will advise members of the NDC that the NPP is not a group you can trust or even dine with. Even if your enemy loses a loved one, you should mourn with them. It is always right to stand with people in times of grief,” he said.
He expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of the eight gallant individuals who lost their lives in the helicopter crash while serving Ghana, arguing that the nation should have united to honour their sacrifice.
“I am speaking out of pain. I am saddened that people serving Ghana lost their lives. When you consider the suffering they went through before their deaths, it is difficult to understand how anyone could fail to show sympathy,” he stated.
According to him, although he had long believed the NPP lacked compassion, he never imagined the party would organise a demonstration on the very day set aside to remember the fallen heroes.
“I knew the NPP could be harsh, but I never thought they would go as far as holding a demonstration on this solemn day of national mourning,” he added.
Listowel Nana Poku further argued that the demonstration reflected a lack of empathy, saying the opposition should have postponed the protest until after the national mourning.
“Because of the pursuit of political power, you could not show sympathy for the eight gallant heroes who died while serving our country. If the state is demanding accountability from people over allegations of wrongdoing, that does not justify choosing this particular day for a demonstration. Could the NPP not have waited until we had finished mourning? Why did it have to be today?” he questioned.
He also argued that the issues raised by the demonstration did not warrant holding it on a day dedicated to mourning.
“What specific issue is so urgent that it could not wait? Mention just one issue that made today the only possible day for this demonstration,” he said.
He added that the tragedy should have transcended partisan politics.
“Even if we assume those who lost their lives belonged to the NDC, what about the soldiers who also died? This should not be viewed through a political lens,” he stated.
Listowel Nana Poku further disclosed that he had heard an NPP member express reservations about the protest.
“I listened to one NPP member this morning who said he did not see the need for the demonstration. Although he did not openly say the date was wrong, his comments suggested he questioned the necessity of holding it today,” he said.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah/ Ahotoronline.com, Accra.