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Akufo-Addo speaks: I never schemed 'stab' Kufuor in the back

By MyJoyOnline
Politics Akufo-Addo speaks: I never schemed 'stab' Kufuor in the back
SEP 19, 2014 LISTEN

Flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akufo-Addo has denied claims he schemed to have John Agyekum Kufuor removed as the party's presidential candidate in the run up to the 2000 general elections.

Former Minister of Health, Dr. Richard Anane last Saturday alleged at the campaign launch of aspirant Alan Kyeremateng that, Akufo-Addo's supporters had plotted to force the elected flagbearer of the party in Sunyani in 1998, John Agyekum Kufuor, to step down for him.

Candidate Kufuor went on to win the 2000 presidential election and got re-elected for another four years in 2004.

In a statement to discount the claim, Nana Akufo-Addo's office described the allegation as an attempt to rewrite history based on fabrications.

It was also claimed that Mr. Kufuour's younger brother, Dr. Kwame Addo Kufuor was an ardent supporter of Nana Akufo-Addo, in 1998, against his brother.

“For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to state that the statements being peddled are wholly untrue. Nana Akufo-Addo did not instruct any member of his campaign team to approach the party leadership to change the elected flagbearer of the party in 1998, nor was any such approach made.

“Additionally, Dr. Kwame Addo Kufuor was not a member of Nana Akufo-Addo's campaign team in the run-up to the Sunyani congress of 1998, neither did he offer any support to Nana Akufo-Addo's campaign.   

“These attempts to rewrite history and fabricate issues from 16 years ago, hopefully to prop up the campaign of a presidential aspirant, are reprehensible and must be condemned in no uncertain terms” Nana Akufo-Addo's statement said.

The contest to elect a presidential candidate for the NPP has been dogged by accusations and counter-accusations.

Supporters of Alan Kyerematen have persistently accused those of lead contender, Akufo-Addo of violence and intimidation.

Loyalists of the two-time flagbearer insist the allegations and claims against his supporters are just schemes to chip away his popularity.

The NPP goes to congress on October 18, 2014 to elect a presidential candidate.

Nana Akufo-Addo won a significant majority of votes in a Super Delegates' Congress which precedes the main congress.

He is believed to be in pole position to widen his margin of victory, but his main challenger, former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen insists the scales will tilt in his favour on October 18. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Jerry Tsatro Mordy | [email protected]

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