Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, the current National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has said that Johnson Asiedu Nketiah's choice to run for the position of National Chairman of the party was motivated only by self-interest.
In an interview with Adom FM, Mr Ampofo said that Johnson Asiedu Nketiah had been advised to drop his plans to run for the national chairmanship for the sake of party unity and the welfare of the organization. However, Asiedu Nketiah refused the suggestion.
It has been said that the rivalry between the two has the potential to destabilize the party. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, however, has refuted such claims and asserted that his choice to square off against the current chairman was motivated by his ambition to reposition the NDC for success in 2024. He claims that such a move will instead strengthen and unify the party.
The party made attempts to stop "General Mosquito," as he is affectionately known, from entering the race after his plan to challenge the existing chairman caused some concern.
Samuel Ofosu Ampofo claims that Mr Asiedu Nketiah is self-centred and has neglected to consider the overall welfare of the NDC.
"For me and in my thoughts, the General Secretary contesting me was not necessary. We all are in different positions and we all have our strengths and weaknesses. This move was a wrong move. It was not a politically correct decision. Someone may pursue his personal interest but we must look at the larger interest of the party," he said.
Mr Ampofo that "There were moves the Council of Elders. His Excellency John Dramani Mahama also made some moves. Elder called him [Asiedu Nketiah] and spoke to him over a year ago and the General Secretary said he had not taken a decision and that he had options. There were moves and every effort was made to prevent this from happening but as it is said, you can force a donkey to the Riverside but you cannot be force it to drink".