Keta celebrates Abodakpi`s release

The streets of Keta in the Volta region were turned into carnival grounds when news reached the residents that the Member of Parliament for the area, Hon. Dan Abodakpi has been pardoned by the President. The aged and the young, clad in both NDC and NPP colours sang and danced to brass band and traditional music in the municipality.

The use of NPP and NDC flags, according to the jubilant youth was to demonstrate unity in diversity, as well as to show the nation the important role that Mr. Abodakpi has played as MP of the people.

Some restaurants and drinking spots were opened to the general public to select from a wide array of food and drinks for free, due to the excitement that overwhelmed the people.

When The Chronicle interviewed some of the people clad in the NPP colours, they revealed that the MP was a respected personality in the area, whose efforts were appreciated by all irrespective of the political party that one belonged to.

According to them, they were aware of the sound relationship that existed between Mr. Abodakpi and the Municipal Chief Executive , M r. Edward Ahiabor, which helped in accelerating development in the area, and they further noted that the release of “such a humble and great personality of our time from prison calls for celebration “.

One of the NPP activists who gave his name as Kofi Gbazay, said the action of the President demonstrated the NPP's commitment to unite the nation through good leadership hence his decision to celebrate with the NDC supporters.

“I am a supporter of the NPP, Dan Abodakpi has, however, been good to all of us and he is a very important personality to us, and we shall continue to show our love for him. We belong to different political parties but we are not enemies”.

Another sympathizer, Madam Cece Gambia, who opened her bar to the public said she always prayed for the MP's release and said she was not surprised about the development. She thanked God and the President for the honour done the people of the area.

When asked about her opinion on the aspiring NDC MPs who have picked nominations to contest the seat, she hinted that she would wait and hear a word from Mr. Abodakpi before taking any decision on the aspiring MPs, who were already campaigning and lobbying delegates in the area.

The Chronicle gathered that four individuals have already filled nominations to contest the primaries on the ticket of the NDC. The candidates are- Mr. Chris Akumey , a private legal practitioner , Mr. Richard Lasey, also a private legal practitioner , Mr. Samuel Aheto, a professional teacher and Dr. Lawrence Akwetey, who is based in the U.K.

The Keta NDC Constituency Chairman, Mr. Cephas Kporsu also expressed joy about the President's action but was quick to add that the President could have given the MP a full pardon which would make him free of the criminal charges.

“We have to pursue the case in court on the 20th of June and fight for the charges to be dropped'. He also revealed that the constituency was arranging to hire buses that would be used to bring the MP to the constituency with a big following.