We are tired with the arrogance of our MP

Accra, April 22, GNA - Some members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) within the Ayawaso West Wougon Constituency on Thursday advocated a new candidate with a renewed capacity to lead, manage and direct the area's abundant resources for development.

The members numbering more than 50, who talked to the Ghana News Agency at the Constituency Office, said: "We demand a change in continuity - nominate a new parliamentary candidate whilst maintaining support for President John Agyekum Kufuor.

"My brother, tell the National Executives that this is a clarion call. We are dissatisfied with the ...., arrogance and disrespect of the current MP and have decided not to go along with him again."

The members explained that they had come to this conclusion because of the inability of the sitting Member of Parliament (MP), Mr George Isaac Amoo to help bring about change and development to the area especially where the youth were concerned.

They alleged that the MP had sidelined the foot soldiers, who worked hard to ensure victory for the party in "Stolen Verdict of 1996" and 2,000 to the detriment of the Party.

"We are fed up with the one man-showmanship of the MP. This is an enlightened society that requires a Member of Parliament with the right attitude, respect and decorum in all things."

The Ayawaso West Wougon Constituency is one of the urban constituencies with a number of amenities including schools and numerous shopping centres. However, the constituents say they believe that more should be done by now, especially with the support of their MP.

When GNA contacted the Constituency Chairman Mr Mike Omari Wudie, he re-affirmed the sentiments expressed by the members, but appealed to all supporters to exercise restraint and maintain the unity of the Party in area.

He urged the members to rather develop a strong networking platform to harness efforts for a greater impact in this year's election. He said the prevailing political environment offered a good opportunity for the Party to retain the seat.

Mr Wudie said Mrs Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, an International Development Consultant and a former Lecturer of the University of Ghana and Mr George Isaac Amoo the incumbent MP have collected nomination forms to contest for the primaries.

He said nomination would close at 1800 hours on Thursday, April 22, 2004, after which forms duly filled would be forwarded to the regional office of the Party for vetting and subsequent fixing of a date for the primaries.

He said in accordance with the Party's constitution, each candidate was expected to pay 10 million cedis in bank draft as filing fees and attach photocopies of membership certificate and educational certificates.

Reacting to the accusation, Mr Amoo described it as interesting and a calculated attempt by few ungrateful individuals to tarnish and derail the cause of development embarked upon in the constituency for a mite of porridge.

Mr Amoo told the GNA that the members might have spoken out of ignorance and naivety, stressing "they are victims of political propaganda gimmick by my opponents to rope them sheepishly into their campaign".

He expressed regret that most people failed to understand and appreciate the work of a Member of Parliament, adding "they make unnecessary demand on the MP from payment of hospital bills through the seeking of schools for wards to buying of coffins and sponsoring of outdooring functions.

"At any point in time that you failed to honour any of the demands, man you are dead. They begin false rumours and destroy your image. Unfortunately most people in their efforts to seek for favours consider their personal interest rather than that of the entire community."

Mr Amoo, who also filed his nomination on Thursday April 22, 2004, enumerated numerous projects undertaken through his initiation, use of the MPs' share of the District Assemblies' Common Fund and the development of youth assistance projects.

The projects includes; rehabilitation of drainage, road network improvement, provision of computers to educational institutions, refurbishment of Police Stations, building of schools and supporting self-initiated projects.