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Mr Prince Adjei, the personal assistant to Assin Central Member of Parliament, Kennedy Agyapong, has come forward to shed light on the intentions behind his boss’s recent commentary about the Ghanaian government’s management of the cedi.
In a statement, Mr Adjei clarified that the remarks were not aimed at Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, as widely assumed, but were instead a response to an anonymous government official at the Finance Ministry.
The aide, who is affectionately called ‘Guy Gee’, admitted that controversy surrounding Kennedy Agyapong’s comments had sparked intense speculation and heated debates about the governing New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) economic policies, specifically the handling of the Ghanaian currency, the cedi, with some rank and file of NPP getting things twisted.
Guy Gee stressed that many believed that Mr Agyapong’s criticisms were aimed directly at Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, who is known for his expertise in economics and his role in spearheading the government’s economic agenda.
According to the personal assistant, the commentary made by his boss was in response to a specific statement made by an anonymous government official at the Finance Ministry. The official allegedly claimed that “strategists don’t go to the IMF”, in an engagement, which seemed to suggest a disregard for seeking international financial expertise in addressing economic challenges.
Misinterpreted comment
Prince Adjei, therefore, emphasised that Mr Agyapong’s intention was to highlight the importance of seeking external advice and collaborating with international institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to find effective solutions to economic issues facing the nation. He indicated that by sharing this information, he hopes to redirect the public’s attention to the real message behind the controversial remarks.
Guy Gee emphasized the need for all NPP members to refrain from attacking Agyapong’s personality to maintain a healthy internal party relationship leading up to the 2024 general elections.
Addressing concerns about the opposition taking advantage of the situation to sow disunity within the NPP, Guy Gee urged party members to cease fire and focus on the larger goal of unity. He highlighted that the opposition was capitalizing on the situation and urged NPP members to avoid falling into their trap.
Prince Adjei questioned the basis for attributing Agyapong’s remarks to Vice-President Bawumia, stating, “Where in the video was Bawumia’s name mentioned?”. He called on all rank and file of the NPP to fully review the video in question to understand the context of Agyapong’s commentary accurately.
Prince Adjei stressed that Kennedy Agyapong’s critique should not be misconstrued as an attack on Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia. He reiterated that his boss has always respected Bawumia’s economic prowess and contributions to the party. He added that any misunderstandings should be resolved through open dialogue rather than escalating tensions unnecessarily.
Press disappointment
He, however, expressed his disappointment with certain media outlets for misinterpreting Kennedy Agyapong’s statement and taking it out of context. He called on media organisations to exercise responsible journalism and avoid unnecessary sensationalism in their reportage.
Guy Gee stressed the importance of accurate reporting to maintain public trust and avoid unnecessary divisions within the party. He urged party members to focus on the bigger picture and avoid internal conflicts to strengthen the NPP’s position and present a united front to the electorate ahead of the 2024 elections.
Mr Adjei also took the opportunity to call for fair and transparent campaigning among the NPP flagbearer aspirants. With the next general elections drawing nearer, and internal competition within political parties tending to intensify, Guy Gee cautioned against resorting to tactics that could undermine party unity and damage the NPP’s reputation.
The aide stressed the need for aspirants to prioritize issues over personal attacks, creating an environment conducive to healthy political discourse. He stated, “Ghanaians deserve to witness a campaign that focuses on constructive debates, addressing the critical challenges facing our nation. We should promote issue-based discussions and refrain from indulging in smear tactics or character assassination”.
He believes that his call for a fair and transparent campaign resonates with Ghanaians who have grown weary of divisive politics and empty rhetoric. By urging flagbearer aspirants to maintain integrity, he said it will restore confidence in the political process and ensure that the voice of the people is truly heard.
Ken’s comments
Mr. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong voiced his discontent with the government’s handling of the local currency. During his campaign tour in Kintampo East on July 16, Mr. Agyapong expressed his dissatisfaction with the depreciation of the Cedi. He revealed that the value of his $40 million in Cedi equivalent had decreased to $16 million over a period of five months, spanning from March to August 2022.
While Mr. Agyapong refrained from explicitly mentioning names, he remarked that it was peculiar to witness an economic manager seeking budgetary support from the International Monetary Fund and still claim to be a “strategist”.
Mr. Agyapong stressed the significance of conducting a clean campaign during his address. He pledged to address any accusations levelled against him and emphasized the importance of governing the country with common sense.
The Assin Central lawmaker also cautioned his fellow flagbearer aspirants to maintain a fair and transparent campaign. He assured that he would address every claim made against him and urged others to be mindful of their statements.
In presenting his economic management capabilities to party delegates, Mr. Agyapong asserted that he would be a more effective custodian of the economy compared to his competitors.
He highlighted his successful businesses, which he said employed over 7,000 individuals monthly, as evidence of his ability to contribute to reducing unemployment rates in the country
