Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has refuted claims that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was deliberately excluded from the National Economic Dialogue, stating that it was a decision made by the party itself.
The Abura Asebu Kwamankese MP explained that the NPP’s absence was a choice they made, despite calls from President John Mahama for their participation.
“The NPP made the choice not to participate. The President urged their involvement, but it was up to the party,” he said.
This comes after Ofoase-Ayirebi MP and former Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, raised concerns over the NPP’s exclusion from the dialogue.
Oppong Nkrumah questioned why President Mahama encouraged their participation knowing that the Minority would not be invited.
Reacting to these concerns, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu emphasized in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen that the National Economic Dialogue was intended to be an all-inclusive event.
“I was not fully aware if special invitations were sent out, but the NPP could have participated even if they were not formally invited,” he stated.
He further clarified that former appointees of the NPP were present at the event, proving that no political party was specifically targeted.
“People like Kwame Pianim, a leading member of the NPP, were there. Also, former appointees like Dr. Paul Acquah and Dr. Ernest Addison, who served as governors of the Bank of Ghana under NPP administrations, were in attendance,” he noted.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu also pointed out that the NPP’s absence was not unexpected, given their earlier stance. “The NPP had already threatened not to participate unless certain conditions were met. They did not seem eager to be part of it,” he remarked. He also reminded listeners of the NPP’s history of boycotting similar events, such as the Senchi Economic Forum.
“It’s regrettable, but the reality is that nothing stopped them from attending,” he added, emphasizing that the dialogue was open to all.
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