Dr Bernard Okoe Boye, the defeated Member of Parliament for Ledzokuku Constituency, has called on supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to desist from abusing his constituents verbally following his defeat.
The lawmaker, who doubles as Deputy Health Minister, wants supporters of the party who are aggrieved by his defeat to be measured in their utterances.
Dr Okoe Boye posted on Facebook: “I have read some news in the media that seek to draw attention to some unsavory comments from friends within NPP, towards my Ledzokuku folks.”
He added: “I would like to urge all, who feel pained by my inability to retain the seat, to exercise restraint when it comes to expressing opinion on the recent Parliamentary elections in Ledzokuku.”
The medical doctor said he is still committed to serving his constituents despite losing the seat to his main opponent from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“It is ok to be disappointed in the results but no need to be despondent. It is ok to be sad momentarily but no need to be sour. These are my people and I am their son. I am committed to making the world a better place and that commitment will remain sure with or without anticipated support from my own,” he wrote.
He further admonished his supporters to let the birth of Christ and the celebration of the Yuletide influence their actions.
“When the game gets tough, the best way out is to lace your boots and not to be so occupied with the attitude of your opponent. The reason for the season remains JESUS,” the outgoing lawmaker said.
Okoe Boye contested on the ticket of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) but lost the seat to his main contender, Ben Ayiku, of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Ayiku won by a slim margin in the elections after polling 55, 938, as against 54,072 votes by Dr Boye. On Monday 14 December, Dr Boye returned to the consulting room to begin serving his community.
Fred Dzakpata
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