Kwabena Adjei In Trouble

Kofi Portuphy
Coordinator of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Kofi Portuphy, yesterday made a strong statement in his quest to unseat incumbent National Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Kwabena Adjei, from the position.

This was when he launched his campaign amidst pomp and pageantry at an event which virtually brought the traffic situation in the entire Nima area of Accra to a standstill, sending a threatening signal to his fellow contenders – Kwabena Adjei Dan Abodapki.

All access roads to the venue of the event were blocked, with road users having to spend more time in the traffic jam.

It is believed that Portuphy is being backed by President John Mahama.

The much-publicized campaign launch, which was originally scheduled to start at 10:00 am, attracted scores of NDC supporters in attendance, including leading functionaries in Accra such as Madam Faustina Nelson; Deputy Greater Accra Regional Minister, Isaac Nii Djanmah Vanderpuye; Regional Chairman, Joseph Ade Coker; Deputy General Secretaries, Kofi Adams and George Lawson; Adenta MP, Nii Ashie Moore; MP for La Dade Kotopon, Nii Amasa Namoale; acting head of the corruption-ridden GYEEDA programme, Kobby Acheampong and the Northern Regional Chairman, Sofo Azorka.

The rest included MP for Amasaman, Emmanuel Nii Okai Laryea;  Eric Ametor Quarmyn; Harry Zakour; Osu Klottey Chairman;  Greater Accra Regional Chairmanship hopeful, Manly Spain; defeated NDC parliamentary aspirant for Weija, Gideon Aryeequaye; former head of the Confiscated Cars Committee, Carl Wilson and Deputy Western Regional Women's Organiser, Araba Tagoe.

Controversial Municipal Chief Executive (DCE) of Ejisu, Kwaku Afrifa Yamoah Ponkoh and popular comedian, Koo Fori, were the co-Masters of Ceremony for the programme.

By 9:00 am, the premises of the Frankies Hotel had been filled to capacity, with people, including chiefs and other invited guests, struggling to find seats while party foot soldiers danced to blurring songs from a public address system.

Half an hour later, Kofi Portuphy arrived, sporting a white kaftan with a party flag in hand, to deafening cheers from the enthusiastic crowd.

He went round to exchange pleasantries with those gathered with broad smiles on his face.

Kofi Portuphy categorized his campaign in four thematic areas –  unity, team work, accessibility and electoral victory.

As a man who prides himself as a unifier, he promised to use his energy to diffuse any potential tension in the party and extend a hand to all whose interests according to him, had waned. He promised to restore confidence of party workers and cadres in building a vanguard of young party enthusiasts.

He decried the lack of access to information in the NDC – a situation he said had nearly ruined confidence in the leadership of the party.

Aside that, the NADMO boss noted, 'It has also heightened suspicion among our people', and promised to make himself available to party faithful.

By Charles Takyi-Boadu