Ohene Ntow Confesses

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) says party faithfuls who are expressing dissenting views about government's policies have genuine reasons to do so.

This is because government finds itself in a dire situation where it will have to make difficult decisions that may affect political fortunes of some of its politicians.

Some NPP Members of Parliament have expressed disgust at the recent fuel price increases, arguing that it is making their work difficult and may erode the gains that the government has chalked over the years.

The MP for Assin Fosu, Mr Kennedy Agyepong has warned the situation could erode the political fortunes of the party in 2008.

The General Secretary of the NPP, Nana Ohene Ntow said government is equally concerned, especially against the background that it will hit the campaign trail soon.

"I must admit 2008 is around the corner and sympathize with them, but the truth has to be told" said the NPP General Secretary.

Nana Ohene Ntow said what the party needs to do now is to communicate to the electorate why the situation has to be so, so that the wrong impression is not carried.

The NPP demonstrated in 2004 prior to the General Elections that it could contain fuel price increases when it refused to increase fuel price, despite hikes in international crude oil.

The NPP government explained that the economy was strong enough to contain the fuel price hike.

But Nana Ohene Ntow admitted on the CITI BREAKFAST SHOW on Wednesday that it was for political expediency.

He said the NPP had no choice at that time than to maintain the fuel price and not increase it because it needed to win the elections.

"Sometimes you need to balance political and economic expediency as and when necessary. This is not done by the NPP alone", Nana Ohene Ntow admitted.

Meanwhile, reports reaching CITI NEWS has it that, a meeting is scheduled on Wednesday between NPP parliamentarians and party executives to discuss concerns by parliamentarians on the persistent fuel price increase.