Gary Nimako Marfo, a legal practitioner and member of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), has admonished cabinet ministers aspiring to succeed President Akufo-Addo to shelve their individual interests now to ensure that the government succeeds.
Speaking with Nana Yaa Mensah on this morning’s Asaase Breakfast Show, Marfo called on the president to act swiftly to bring sanity into the party.
“I think that what is going on is quite unprecedented. And it is unfortunate we have gone through a difficult election: we have had members of parliament being split 137 on both sides with an independent person … Governance in itself has not really taken off.
“And all you hear is that person A says ‘I want to be president’, person B says ‘I am launching my campaign’, person C says ‘I have an interest to succeed President Akufo-Addo in 2024’. I think it is most unfortunate and in any case the [NPP] constitution does not allow this.”
No change
He questioned the actions of the cabinet ministers in question, when the president is less than four months in to his second term of office.
The lawyer further questioned the motives of cabinet ministers who have begun nurturing presidential ambitions.
Marfo believes the current development does not warrant a change in the New Patriotic Party’s constitution.
Personal against party interest
“The constitution is quite clear. Even put aside the constitution, the president is less than four months in office [and] government has not yet stabilised, so how can somebody be doing this sort of thing?
“So, are they looking for the good of the government, or what?” Marfo asked.
He added: “Look, let’s not forget even in Kufuor’s time when we had 17 aspirants going to contest at the primary. Look at the effect it had on the party. At this stage, it is just too early. So, everybody must shelve their political interest for the good of the party.”
Lawyer Nimako Marfo said the grass roots of the NPP and the party rank and file are not enthused by the jostling for the position of flagbearer in the 2024 election.
Fred Dzakpata
* Asaase Radio 99.5 – tune in or log on to broadcasts online
Follow us on Twitter: @asaaseradio995
#asaaseradio #TVOL
