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NPP UK Press Statement: Let Peace Prevail!

By NPP UK
Diaspora (UK & Ireland) NPP UK Press Statement: Let Peace Prevail!
MAY 29, 2015 LISTEN

On Thursday 21st May 2015, following the tragic death of Chairman Adams Mahama, NPP UK issued a statement expressing our condolences to the bereaved family and calling for calm and restraint from unlawful acts and unfounded accusations which were likely to heighten tensions.

We remain steadfast in our condemnation of this heinous crime and repeat our call to the police and security agencies to speed up their investigations and leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Undoubtedly, the events of 21 May have become one of the greatest challenges to confront our Party since its formation in 1992. This is clearly a defining moment in our history. Our collective response to this test will be crucial to our fortunes from hereon.

It is our belief that with unity and resolve, we can rise from the ashes of this sad event, and emerge even stronger. We all have a role to play in helping to build the strong Party that all true Patriots and the good people of Ghana want to see. One founded on our core and enduring values and principles of discipline, trust, respect for the rule of law and for one another.

As a major political Party we understand that our existence is crucial not for our own benefit but, to the strengthening of democracy in Ghana.

We are not oblivious to the calls upon the party's National Chairman, and the General Secretary, to be removed from office and the feelings that have brought us to this difficult place. What we all see as the best outcome for our Party and nation is a strong and united NPP, a strong and viable opposition that underpins our nation’s democracy, and a Party that will stand united in purpose and ready to fight and win election 2016. The issue for us all therefore, is not WHAT we want to achieve, but HOW we achieve this best outcome that guarantees a long lasting solution. The politics of factionalism and division will not lead to this solution. We must work together to excise the cancer of factionalism, begin the healing process and pull back from the brink.

As the true custodians and guardians of the Rule of Law and Order we know that it is only right and proper that in times of crisis we endeavor to rise above the brouhaha and turn to our governing document for guidance and direction, whilst being acutely aware of the political ramifications of any decisions that we make.

Calm heads may consider that in all the circumstances of the current situation, it is better to deal with this matter internally within the Party family.

It is only right and proper that in these difficult times, we take a step back and allow ourselves to be guided by both the spirit and letter of our constitution and the tenets of natural justice. The eyes of the world are watching and this is an opportunity for us to demonstrate our impeccable credentials and that we are a people who are principled and capable of dealing with our differences in a mature and peaceful manner.

As a broad church we understand that from time to time we will disagree, but we need not be disagreeable. Our disagreements must not divide us to the point where we begin to destroy each other and our great party.

For NPP UK, ours is to embark on a path that will lead to a lasting solution, and guarantee the unity and strength of our Party, and the future of our nascent democracy.

To this end we call for the setting up of a high powered body including H.E. John Agyekum Kufuor, our leader and 2016 Presidential Candidate Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, the Chairman of the Council of Elders, and other eminent persons as necessary, to intervene in this internal matter and use their combined wisdom, experience, tact and diplomacy to bring us all together, help us bury our pride and self-interest, heal the factions, remove the obstacles, and in the interests of Party and Country return us to the place of our greatest unity and peace. In the meantime we must desist from unwarranted comments to the media, and engaging in media warfare with one another.

We further call upon Chairman Paul Afoko and General Secretary Kwabena Agyapong to fully co-operate with this eminent group, in their interest, and in the supreme interest of our party and nation. We should reach for the greater good, and consider all options necessary to reach a solution that unites all sides.The long lasting solution we seek, should deliver our goal of a strong united party, capable of offering a strong opposition now, and ready and prepared to govern. The solution brokered should have appropriate constitutional underpinning to ensure smooth implementation.

Going forward, NPP UK will continue to engage with our Party leaders in private and not in the public arena, in finding a lasting solution to this matter.

Finally, Ghanaians are suffering and looking up to the NPP under the leadership of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as our only hope against the gross economic mismanagement of the ruling NDC. We owe the people of Ghana the duty of living up to their expectations. What is at stake is the essence and future of our Party, and the hope and aspirations of 27 million Ghanaians.

NPP UK has always supported our flag-bearer Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo and his running mate Dr Bawumia and we pledge our continued full and loyal support. We are confident and persuaded that they are best placed to lead our nation out of its current woes.

We need to learn grave lessons from our brother's passing and what is unfolding in our Party now. We need to ponder and understand what went so horribly wrong, and be humbled and chastened by these events so that the lessons of today will guide and propel us to a better tomorrow.

For now, let peace and respect prevail.
For and on behalf of NPP UK
Michael Ansah
Chairman, NPP UK Branch

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