What has become known as “the explosive NDC tape” continues to stir confusion in the opposition party as members, especially elements loyal to the embattled chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, seek to identify how the leak happened.
Information seen by the Daily Statesman suggests the “Ofosu-Ampofo camp” in the NDC is pointing accusing fingers at the “Mahama camp” as the source of the leak.
“Elements loyal to our national chairman believe a pro-Mahama national officer recorded and leaked the tape,” our source in the party said yesterday.
“The reason is to make our chairman look bad and set the stage for his removal from office so that they can further an agenda of getting their choice of person to become Mahama’s running mate.”
Julius Debrah
According to our source, former First Lady Lordina Mahama is bent on making sure her close ally, the former chief of staff Julius Debrah, is selected to be Mr Mahama’s running mate.
“But the main challenge is that because Ofosu-Ampofo is from the Eastern Region, there can be no justification in selecting Julius Debrah as the running mate because he is also from the Eastern Region,” our source said.
“The only option is to get Ofosu-Ampofo out as the chairman.
“That is why some of us were not surprised when Mahama virtually confirmed the authenticity of the tape at the weekend. It was all part of the plot.”
Charged
Mr Ofosu-Ampofo was yesterday charged on four counts over the controversial recording.
He was formally placed under caution arrest and faces charges of threat of harm, conspiracy to commit harm, rioting and assaulting a public officer.
He is said to have denied all the charges categorically when he appeared before the Criminal Investigation Department of the Police Service for interrogation.
The NDC chairman has since been granted GHC400,000 bail with two sureties, and is to report back to CID headquarters on Thursday.
Lives at risk
Mr Ofosu-Ampofo is heard in the recording giving details of a plot hatched by the NDC to put the lives of political opponents in danger.
He proposes that this involve kidnapping relatives of activists for the governing New Patriotic Party, to make life uncomfortable for the NPP.
He also explains how the NDC intends to attack the personality of President Akufo-Addo by repeatedly creating the impression that he is a violent person.
Other plans involve smearing the Electoral Commissioner, Jean Mensa, inciting NDC members to insult religious leaders, especially Most Reverend Professor Emmanuel Asante, chairman of the National Peace Council, and attacking civil society organisations.
Source: The Daily Statesman
