The Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Mr. Mustapha Foyo Gbande, discussed the party’s response to allegations of forgery against the sitting Member of Parliament (MP) for Amenfi Central Hon. Peter Yaw Kwakye Ackah.
Mr. Gbande spoke extensively about the contentious issues surrounding the MP’s withdrawal from the primaries and the steps the party plans to take in response to the allegations.
Mr. Gbande revealed that the allegations had not yet been formally brought to the party’s attention, though the party was aware of previous contentions that had led to legal proceedings since May 2024.
“We haven’t even had our attention drawn to it. To be a surprise, but we’ll look into the issues and then advise ourselves appropriately.”
Mr. Mustapha Gbande Deputy General Secretary National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Mr. Gbande explained that while the party had been aware of certain disputes, it had taken significant steps to address them.
“The sitting MP participated in the subsequent primaries but withdrew at some point, which I wouldn’t want to speak on right now. But when it becomes important, we’ll speak to it.”
Allegations of Forgery
Mr. Gbande strongly defended the party’s handling of the situation
” I think the sitting MP himself forged the documents in the opportunity given to him to go and contest. He forged documents, the vetting committee warned him that if he doesn’t withdraw, we’re going to cite him for fraudulently. That is how come he withdrew.”
Mr. Mustapha Gbande Deputy General Secretary National Democratic Congress (NDC)
He further elaborated on the extent of the forgery.
“He picked a form, but he forged documents. He used people’s ID card without their consent. And so, the vetting committee humbly advised him under the circumstance to step down, because you would have been cited for forgery, and he’s a sitting member of parliament.”
Mr. Mustapha Gbande Deputy General Secretary National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Mr. Gbande emphasized that the MP would have faced serious criminal charges had he not withdrawn from the primaries. He noted; “He would have been standing criminal class by now. That is how come he withdrew.”
MP’s Allegations Against the Party
Responding to accusations made by the MP about the party’s handling of the election, Mr. Gbande refuted claims that the party had used “communist inferior tactics” to push the MP out of the race.
“When you make such derogatory comments about party leadership, and you are a crook yourself, you forward the documents when they gave you the opportunity to go and contest. What is he talking about?”
Mr. Mustapha Gbande Deputy General Secretary National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Mr. Gbande further criticized the MP for not accepting the party’s decision and continuing to level accusations against the party.
He argued that the MP’s behavior was unacceptable, particularly when the party had given him ample opportunities.
“I am saying on authority, that the only reason we have tempted this guy for far too long, you’ve contested an election, and you have lost that election. And the party has moved on. The party engaged you. Council of elders engaged you.”
Mr. Mustapha Gbande Deputy General Secretary National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Stubborn Dead Body: The Party’s Next Steps
Mr. Gbande also hinted that the party was prepared to take further actions if necessary, using the metaphor of a “stubborn dead body” that must be buried.
He noted that the MP’s behavior had escalated to a point where the party would no longer tolerate it.
“We’ve seen what is happening in parliament. I’m saying on authority when we declare that election null and void and afforded him the opportunity to contest again if he believed there were any issues, he forged the documents.”
Mr. Mustapha Gbande Deputy General Secretary National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Mr. Gbande went on to clarify that the party had done everything within its power to give the MP a fair chance, but his actions left no room for further negotiations.
“He forged the documents. He picked the form and forged people’s signatures, [and] people’s numbers into his filing form. So, he was going to be cited for forgery, which is why he honorably exited from the election.”
Mr. Mustapha Gbande Deputy General Secretary National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Party’s Response to MP’s Actions
He further addressed the possibility of the party formally removing the MP from his seat.
“That is why I need the advice and direction of my general secretary and party elders. The national chairman is alive, he’s there. The flag bearer is alive this division just came out, we will take direction from them and then we would proceed to deal with the issue as it ought to be.”
Mr. Mustapha Gbande Deputy General Secretary National Democratic Congress (NDC)
He assured that the party would take the necessary steps to address the situation once a collective decision had been made.
Mr. Gbande also dismissed concerns that the party had been slow to act on the issue. He remarked; The party will not embarrass its members until it’s indiscipline, embarrassed members expose themselves.”
Mr. Mustapha Gbande’s remarks highlighted the NDC’s firm stance on the issue of the sitting MP’s forgery allegations.
While the party had initially sought to handle the matter discreetly, Mr.Gbande’s comments make it clear that the MP’s continued accusations against the party will not go unchallenged.
The party leadership is expected to reconvene and decide the MP’s future within the party.
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