John Boadu
The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has strongly condemned the burning of markets in the country.
In recent weeks, major markets in Accra have been burnt.
The Kaneshie, Odawna, Kantamanto markets have all been burnt.
Police have commenced investigations into possible acts of arson.
One suspect believed to be a member of the opposition National Democratic Congress has already been arrested in connection with the alleged burning of the Kantamanto market in Accra.
In a statement issued by its General Secretary, John Boadu, the NPP called for swift investigation and arrest of the perpetrators.
According to the statement, “The sheer rampancy and coincidence with which the markets are burning, coupled with the constant threats by some elements of the opposition to burn markets in order to drum home their concerns over the outcome of the 2020 general elections, leaves no lingering doubt that they are behind these arson attacks. “
“For instance, the NDC National Chairman, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, is on record to have incited his party footsoldiers to undertake series of “overt and covert operations” including setting markets ablaze and embarking on armed robbery attacks in order to create fear and sense of insecurity in the country. Ofosu Ampofo is of course being prosecuted in court for this treasonable comment, and the court has established as a matter of fact that it was his voice in that leaked tape,” the statement dated December 21 said.
Below is the full statement
December 21, 2020
Press Release
NPP CONDEMNS THE BURNING OF MARKETS; CALLS FOR SWIFT INVESTIGATION AND ARREST OF PERPETRATORS
The NPP has noted with grave concerns and revulsion, the increasing spate of market fires being experienced across the country in recent times. The sheer rampancy and coincidence with which the markets are burning, coupled with the constant threats by some elements of the opposition to burn markets in order to drum home their concerns over the outcome of the 2020 general elections, leaves no lingering doubt that they are behind these arson attacks.
For instance, the NDC National Chairman, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, is on record to have incited his party footsoldiers to undertake series of “overt and covert operations” including setting markets ablaze and embarking on armed robbery attacks in order to create fear and sense of insecurity in the country. Ofosu Ampofo is of course being prosecuted in court for this treasonable comment, and the court has established as a matter of fact that it was his voice in that leaked tape.
Beyond the NDC National Chairman, mention can also be made of other leading members of the NDC including their 2020 flagbearer, John Mahama as well as their party executives, who are also engaged in this exercise of inciting their base to creat mayhem and make the country ungovernable particularly after their humiliating defeat at the 2020 polls. Equally, social media is awash with messages from some misguided members of the NDC, threatening to burn markets in order to ventilate their outrage at the outcome of the 2020 elections, which they are disputing.
As a matter of fact, there is an abominable Facebook comment which has been making rounds on social media attributed to one of their guys, who used the name, Daniel Tee, threatening that, “we are burning down Kantamanto tomorrow”. He made this comment on 15th December, and lo and behold, on 16th December, these hoodlums executed the act and burnt down the Kantamanto market.
Whiles commending the Police for arresting one of the suspected arsonists behind the Kantamanto fire outbreak by name, Daniel Dah Kormlah, who had been identified as an active member of the opposition NDC, we also implore the police to immediately arrest Daniel Tee together with all his accomplices and make them face the full rigors of the law.
It cannot be gainsaid that the burning of the nation’s market can only be an execution of their widely publicized “overt and covert operations” as proclaimed by their leaders before, during and after the 2020 general elections which have, rightly so, been described as the most transparent and peaceful elections in our recent history.
On account of this, the NPP, while condemning these arson attacks, is also calling on the security agencies particularly the Ghana police to take immediate steps in investigating and apprehending all the perpetrators of these callous acts. Equally, the party is urging our men and women in uniform to keep an eagle eye on these misguided elements following their threats to burn more markets in the coming days until and unless their 2020 presidential candidate is declared as the winner of the elections.
Already, they have burnt Odawna Market; burnt Kantamanto market on two occasions; burnt Koforidua Market; burnt Kaneshie Market, and just yesterday, they set fire at the Asankragua Market. Which market is next? How many more markets are we waiting for them to burn? Certainly, we cannot sit unconcerned and see them destroy the livelihood of thousands in the name of politics.
They must be called to order, and the time to act is now. Meanwhile, the NPP wishes to use this occasion to reiterate its sympathies to all the affected persons who have lost their valuables and livelihood in these arson attacks and assures them that the party stands with them in these trying times and will assist them in their pursuit for justice.
… Signed…
JOHN BOADU
GENERAL SECRETARY
By Melvin Tarlue