Leadership of the NPP Loyal Ladies, a group affiliated to the ruling party, has accused the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of throwing dust into the eyes of the public by creating the impression that its members are now defecting to the NDC.
NPP Loyal Ladies, in a statement jointly signed by three executives- Martha Kodua, Adwoa Pomaah Sanwu and Linda Darkwa- said the NDC has planned to distribute the group’s branded shirts to some members of the main opposition party at the next edition of the party’s so-called Unity Walk, which has been described as ‘Mahama Walk.’
According to the statement, “We are reliably informed that our shirts are being printed by a print house at Asafo in Kumasi on the orders of the NDC.”
The next ‘Mahama’ Walk is slated for Saturday, April 28, in the Ashanti regional capital, Kumasi, and the NDC is apparently desperate to cause disaffection for members of the Loyal Ladies Group, which played an instrumental role in the victory of President Akufo-Addo in the 2016 general elections.
According to reports, Mr Mahama, who has been the face of the so-called Unity Walk, which is intended to galvanize the NDC members following the party’s defeat in 2016, told NDC supporters in the Upper West Regional capital, Wa that some members of the Loyal Ladies had defected to the NDC because they had become frustrated with the NPP.
“It seems Mr Mahama, who appears desperate to lead the NDC in 2020 and who has seemingly been ‘licking’ the wounds from his defeat to President Akufo-Addo is trying to bring down the Loyal Ladies.”
“The moves by NDC and Mr Mahama are yet another weak attempt to court disaffection for Loyal Ladies within the ranks of the NPP and to throw dust into the eyes of the public which they are known for.”
It said, “We recall a similar incident where a known NDC Lady was spotted wearing a Loyal Ladies-branded shirt at their Unity walk in the Upper West Region. This is testament to the fact that the NDC is bereft of ideas and lacks ingenuity.”
According to Loyal Ladies, “We wish to state, without equivocation, that we have NOT sanctioned the printing of any new shirts for our group, and do not have any members of our group defecting to the NDC, as the hopeless NDC would seek to portray this weekend.”
It said, “John Mahama and his demoralised NDC cannot begrudge Loyal Ladies for the incompetence they displayed in government and their spectacular incompetence in opposition. It is obvious the NDC is gasping in desperation and cluelessness, and would clutch onto any successful brand to give hope to its members. We, however, caution the NDC to stay clear off the path of Loyal Ladies, as we are not going to be intimidated by their see through antics.”
Meanwhile, the Loyal Ladies has indicated that it has reported the matter to the Ghana Police Service for investigations since “this connotes criminality on the part of the print house.”
By Melvin Tarlue