NPP Government Sidelines Opposition MPs - NDC Reg. Sec.

Pusiga (U/E), June 28, GNA - The Upper East Regional Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Donatus Akamugri has accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Government of sidelining NDC Members of Parliament (MPs), a situation he described as unfortunate and an abridgement of democratic principles.

He noted that the Government's conduct towards these elected representatives of the people had contributed to the polarization of the society, which did not augur well for reconciliation and national cohesion.

Mr Akamugri, who made these observations in an interview with the He cited instances during the Vice-President Aliu Mahama's recent visit to the Upper East Region, where none of the opposition MPs was invited to join his entourage while touring their constituencies. Mr Akamugri also mentioned the sidelining of Mr John Tia and Moses Asaga, during the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Kwadwo Adjei-Darko's visit to the newly created Talensi-Nabdam District in May.

He said the Vice-President's position conferred on him the father figure of the nation and he needed to demonstrate unity among the people during his state visits in the interest of social cohesion.

Mr Akamugri challenged the NPP to point out if any NPP Parliamentarian was ever sidelined during such visits to their constituencies in the NDC administration.

The Regional Secretary said the NPP Government needed to distinguish between state functions from Party functions in order to stop its abuse of using state funds to perpetuate its rule.

He accused the NPP of using its incumbency to hide under the guise of organizing state functions to spread its propaganda, whilst at the same time ignoring the NDC MPs in their constituencies.