NPP Disassociates Itself From "Anti-Wahala" Demo

THE New Patriotic Party (NPP) has disassociated itself from a proposed demonstration called by a group calling itself “Peace seekers International” and other democratic forces.

The group had announced at a press conference that it was embarking on a peace march, ostensibly to counter the series of “Wahala” demonstrations being held by the Joint Action Committee (JAC), a group of minority parties and civil society.

A statement issued by the NPP in Accra yesterday stated in clear terms that while it had no objection to any individuals or groups exercising their democratic right of freedom of speech, the party was not in any way, either directly or indirectly, involved with the groups that organised the press conference,”.

The statement said the NPP was a party that prided itself in “undisputed liberal democratic credential” and that it respected the constitutional rights of individuals and groups of dissenting views to policies of the government.

The statement said the NPP deemed the demonstrations being staged by the JAC against the price increases in petroleum products as falling in that category.

“In any case the NPP knows very well the possible explosive consequences of counter demonstrations,” the statement said.

It said the NPP did not believe in violence and for that matter would not be engaged in any act that would bring violence.

It said in the four years since it assumed power, the NPP had shown a capable hand in sorting out the economic mess it inherited and the citizens of Ghana showed their appreciation of the party's efforts by returning it to power.

It said the good people of Ghana were aware that as a non-oil producing nation, it would continue to be at the mercy of the whims and caprices of the oil-producing nations until the country finds an alternatives to the energy problem.