Emmanuel Azubila Abdul Salam
A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Emmanuel Azubila Abdul Salam, has sparked outrage with his inflammatory comments, threatening to burn the hotels of New Patriotic Party (NPP) officials, including the Member of Parliament for Abetifi, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, if the NDC loses the December 7 elections.
Speaking at a gathering over the weekend, the failed parliamentary aspirant deviated from discussing the party manifesto and instead taught NDC members techniques of causing arson.
He also urged them to secure guns and clubs ahead of the polls.
The threat comes on the heels of Dr. Bryan Acheampong’s previous comments, which were perceived as inciting violence and electoral malpractices.
The Minister of Food and Agriculture and MP for Abetifi had stated on various political platforms since last year: “We would do whatever it takes to win the elections… Whatever means we would take to win the elections, we would do so.”
He explained that “I have said that whether the NDC likes it or not, they will never win the 2024 elections. They would not win. You can check their records. They would not win. The NPP would win the elections. The NPP exists to win elections.”
He added “So, we would do whatever it takes to win the elections. We are a political party that has pastors, imams, and traditionalists, so whatever means we would take to win the elections, we would do so.”
However, Dr. Bryan Acheampong has since clarified his comments, stating: “I never said what they are accusing me of. I was simply stressing that, as a political party, our aim is to win the election, and we are doing everything possible to achieve that.”
He explained that the NDC took his statement out of context and meant to emphasize the NPP’s determination to win the election through legitimate means.
Despite the clarification, the NDC has warned Dr. Acheampong, stating that his comments amount to inciting violence and electoral malpractices.
The party has also threatened to respond with their own strategies to counter the NPP’s efforts.
The latest development has raised concerns about the escalating political tensions in Ghana, with many calling for calm and peaceful campaigning ahead of the December 7 elections.
The NDC and NPP have a long history of political rivalry, with tensions often running high during election periods.
In 2020, Salam was criticized for his role in a violent clash between NDC and NPP supporters in the Kpone Katamanso constituency.
-BY Daniel Bampoe