The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Ashanti Regional Caucus of Constituency Chairmen has called on the Ghana Police Service and National Security to arrest individuals who have publicly claimed they know about the death of John Kumah, former Deputy Finance Minister, to assist in investigations.
In a statement dated Monday, March 11, and signed by its secretary, Abraham Kofi Oduro-Kyeremateng, the Caucus stated, amongst other things, that the claims by certain individuals in the media space have “come far ahead of an official autopsy report from the medical team.”
Hence, the Caucus considers the actions “criminal allegations,” which must be investigated by the security agencies.
“First of all, we think these are criminal allegations and the Ghana Police Command and National Security must seek proof of the alleged poisoning immediately.
“Individuals and groups who have publicly claimed to know anything about the death of Hon. John Ampontuah Kumah must be arrested to assist the Police in their investigation into these claims which have come far ahead of an official autopsy report from the medical team,” the statement added.
The Caucus further held a considered view that these allegations and the casting of aspersions on some party leaders are “dangerous to the future of our party, especially going into the December 7 elections.”
The statement therefore called on the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, whose staff have been accused of “spreading unsubstantiated allegations” about the death of Mr. John Kumah, to “advise the presenters of his media outfit to discontinue these allegations.”
Read the full statement below:
Date: 11th March, 2024
PRESS STATEMENT BY ASHANTI REGIONAL CAUCUS OF CONSTITUENCY CHAIRMEN OF NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY
We continue to mourn with the families of the departed patriots, especially, the sudden demise of the Hon. John Ampontuah Kumah.
In our mourning state, circumstances have compelled us to issue this press statement at a time our party, family and friends are still in grief over the untimely passing of our beloved Deputy Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Ejisu, Hon. Dr. John Ampontuah Kumah.
For us, this is a difficult period for the bereaved family, and they need to be accorded all the respect. However, since the news of the death of our respected Deputy Finance Minister broke on Thursday, March 7, 2024, Wontumi TV/FM show host Oheneba Nana Asiedu has waged a spurious campaign by alleging that he was poisoned and has gone ahead to link the alleged poisoning to the NPP running mate issue, without providing any evidence.
First of all, we think these are criminal allegations and the Ghana Police Command and National Security must seek proof of the alleged poisoning immediately. Individuals and groups who have publicly claimed to know anything about the death of Hon. John Ampontuah Kumah must be arrested to assist the Police in their investigation into these claims which have come far ahead of an official autopsy report from the medical team.
Again, we see the allegations and the casting of aspersions on some party leaders as dangerous to the future of our party especially going into the December 7 elections.
Under the circumstances, we appeal to the Regional NPP Chairman, Mr Bernard Antwi-Boasiako popularly known as Chairman Wontumi who owns Wontumi Media to call Oheneba Nana Asiedu and his conspirators at the media station to order.
Oheneba Asiedu cannot continue to use his platforms to spread unsubstantiated allegations against the NPP and her workers.
The agenda he has currently embarked on can sow seeds of discord and panic in the party especially in Ashanti Region, and we implore our regional chairman who holds a respected office in the region to intervene in order to ensure stability on our front.
Again, we appeal to our Regional and National leaderships to take interest in the despicable development by speaking to Chairman Wontumi to advise the presenters of his media outfit to discontinue these allegations to allow doctors and the security services to do their work on the death of Hon. Dr. John Kumah.
If we are not careful, those presenters will use the death of Hon. Dr. John Kumah to soil the hard won reputations of our party leaders and dedicated workers and before we are aware, they would have caused irreparable damage to our party.
Lastly, Oheneba Nana Asiedu has no authority to issue an ultimatum to our Party Leader, H.E. Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia with regards to the selection of his running mate for the December elections, and we advice him to seperate his media work from the Party’s internal decisions.
As constituency chairmen in the Ashanti Region, we are working very hard with our executives to ensure that our flagbearer, H.E. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia maximizes NPP’s votes, while our parliamentary aspirants sweep the seats in the region . Anybody who attempts to make our work difficult will have us contend with.
May the Soul of our brother and Stalwart John Ampontuah Kumah and the souls of other departed Patriots rest well.
Signed
Abraham Kofi Oduro-Kyeremateng –
Secretary, Ashanti Regional Caucus of Constituency Chairmen, NPP
Endorsed by;
Fiifi Mensah
Chairman, Ashanti Regional Caucus of Constituency Chairmen of NPP
Credit:3news.com
