The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate for Effutu in both the 2020 and 2024 elections, James Kofi Annan, has distanced himself from a demonstration organized by some party faithful in the constituency.
The demonstration has been linked to Mr. Annan’s exclusion in President John Mahama’s ministerial nominations.
But Mr Annan has clarified that he had no involvement in the protests, which saw the disruption of party office equipment.
“I heard that the youth were going to hold a press conference and protest. So, I called the NIB Officer to inform him about the planned press conference and urged him to monitor the situation. I personally forwarded the telephone number of the leader of the youth group to the NIB Officer and asked him to contact him,” he said in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem.
Despite his attempts to prevent the demonstration, Mr. Annan said his efforts failed, likely due to his physical absence.
“I have been unwell for some time, and I’ve been out of Effutu seeking medical attention and resting in Accra,” he stated.
He made it clear that he was not behind the disruptions.
“I was not aware of the disruption, and I feel deeply disappointed. Although it seems the youth were fighting for me, I did not incite them to act in such a way. It’s unnecessary and wrong,” he said.
Mr. Annan took the opportunity to address the youth in the Effutu constituency.
“I wish to reiterate that the responsibility to appoint individuals to high offices is the sole prerogative of the President. I urge the youth in Effutu to be cautious about associating my name with such irresponsible acts,” he added.
The NDC PC also stated that it wasn’t just him who hadn’t received an appointment from President Mahama.
“Even not all MPs have appointments, so why should anyone force the President to appoint me? I’ve never been promised an appointment. I am a Parliamentary candidate,” he remarked.
He has therefore urged unity within the NDC and stressed the need for restraint.
“I am very angry about what has happened. We worked hard to bring the party into office, and I believe whatever decisions President Mahama or the party makes are in the good interest of the party and the country. Let’s focus on the collective responsibility we have to deliver on the promises outlined in the NDC manifesto,” he concluded.
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