The Majority Chief Whip in Parliament in an attempt to dispel the long-held belief that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is a pro-Akan party has detailed the immense contribution of northerners to the party’s rich history.
Frank Annoh Dompreh said the Northern Caucus of the NPP is an integral part of the Party and has been instrumental in the development of the Party’s preserving traditions.
He recounts the immeasurable contribution of stalwarts like SD Dombo, Chief Bawumia, and others who through their magnanimity were able to secure Dr. K.A. Busia a position as leader of the United Party which subsequently earned him the Prime Minister position.
“It was under his tenure that President J. A. Kuffour got his first opportunity at governance as a deputy minister.
“Again in 1979, when Victor Owusu was encumbered by trumped-up charges, it was Yakubu-Tali the PFP party chairman who became the face of the party.
“Canvassing across the length & breadth of the country to sell the PFP’s vision for office. When Victor Owusu was discharged by the Commission of Enquiry, Alhaji Tali was gracious enough to allow him to become the party’s flagbearer without rancour, divisiveness or bitterness, even though he had worked so hard,” he added.
He maintained that the sacrifice of Alhaji Tali towards the unification and elevation of the party had largely ensured the stability the party enjoys today.
“In the lead up to the 1992 elections, Roland Issifu Alhassan, a founding member of the party, in whose home the Tamale Danquah-Busia Club was launched, was selected as the running mate to Prof. Adu Boahen.
“After the stolen verdict of ’92, he could have contested the next primaries but declined. Given his influence within the party, his participation could have changed the course of events. He however declined, paving the way for JA Kuffour.”
Frank Annoh-Dompreh intimated that it is disingenuous to discard the sacrifices of the Northern Caucus to stoke tribal tensions within the Party for the parochial interests of a few.
He said, “Throughout the history of our party, the Northern Caucus has consistently made sacrifices for the greater good.
“It will be dishonest to support the rhetoric of division that seeks to erase the contribution of the North to our party and country from pre-independence till date.”
Source:Fiilafmonline/JoyNews
