Bad blood costs Dr. Sarpong, Yamin's jobs

The Ashanti regional minister and his deputy were dismissed by the President as a result of a long standing frosty relationship between the two, which was threatening the unity of the NDC in the region, Joy News has gathered.

Mr. Samuel Sarpong and his deputy, Joseph Yamin were relieved of their positions in Government today but a statement signed by Communications Minister, Edward Omane Boamah did not explain why the President took the decision.

However, National Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Kofi Adams told Joy News the party welcomes the President's decision since the two cannot “co-exist”.

He said the Party had met the Minister and his deputy in many attempts to resolve their differences but did not yield any results as the two kept exchanging fire publicly.

Kofi Adams said the party needed a united front to prosecute thr development agenda in the region, which could determine the party's fortune in the 2016 general elections.

He is hopeful the “right persons would be introduced” by President Mahama to replace the dismissed minister and his deputy.

NDC's Regional Communication officer Samed Akalilu confirmed there is “an open secret that the Minister and his deputy have had bad blood for some time”.

He cited recent foot soldiers' agitation leading to the “unlawful locking” of the regional party office among others, which he believes was instigated by the frosty relationship between the two.

Akalilu told Joy News he has also heard about claims by some party members that Joseph Yamin had been plotting to unseat his boss.

Meanwhile, Luv FM's Erastus Asare Donkor reports that some known names are popping up as possible replacements for the two.

Some party executives are rooting for either Andy Appiah Kubi or one Mr Anarfi to replace Dr. Sarpong while former deputy regional minister Samuel Yaw Adusei is expected to bounce back to take up Yamin's position.

Some residents Erastus spoke to were indifferent about the decision to dismiss Dr. Sarpong and Yamin but others thought the two failed to develop the region and felt they must go.