With less than nine days to go for the 10th National Delegates Congress of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, might just be counting his last days as a key player at the party’s headquarters where he operated as a General Secretary in the last 17 years.
Despite his gut and wits, the odds are against him this time and it might take a last minute miracle to overturn political annihilation by incumbent National Chairman, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, who equally has some garbage around him to clear, particularly his penchant to abandon party’s national executive position and rush for government appointment anytime the NDC is in office.
Mr Ofosu Ampofo, has also been dispelling reports that he is anti-John Mahama and had been insulting him to people at the least chance.
But The Herald’s nosing around Asiedu Nketiah’s campaign, has revealed some five weaknesses which could cause his downfall.
Key amongst these is the presence and deep involvement of his son, one Kwaku Asiedu Nketiah jr in the affairs of the party, especially reports that the he was awarded a contract to run a revenue mobilization drive for the party through Mobile Money (MOMO) at a 20percent fee on every amount collected.
At the time he was given the contract, two party sympathizers, according to the Deputy General Secretary in-charge of the Finance and Administration, Barbra Asamoah, were willing to collect the cash free of charge.
Another claim making the rounds in the NDC on Mr Asiedu Nketiah’s son is that he and his dad are running businesses in Liberia, through the George Weah administration.
This connection, The Herald learnt, was obtained under the banner of the NDC, after the then candidate Weah, had approached the Ghanaian party to help him secure the Liberian presidency.
Reports are that Mr Asiedu Nketiah and his son, have been frequenting the Liberian capital Monrovia on business trips since George Weah administration, took office.
Aside the 17-year incumbency fatigue that has cut down Mr Asiedu Nketiah’s popularity and influence, there are claims of lack of sincerity and stinginess against him, with allegations that he got some government contracts in the name of party executives, but did not use the proceeds to “sought out” party people as promised.
Also being used against him, is his acceptance to be on the Parliamentary Service Board with a monthly salary of GHC30, 000.
Many had expected him to stay at the party’s headquarters at Adabraka –Accra as General Secretary; an administrative head to be dealing with the day-to-day issues affecting the party. The headquarters mostly appears dead with electricity and water oftentimes disconnected.
Meanwhile, elements tied to the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) have started poking fun at Mr Asiedu Nketiah and his son.
Goodfellow Dei, Public Relations Officer(PRO) of the National Lotteries Authority, has mocked the latest fundraising drive of the 2020 flagbearer of the party, John Mahama.
According to him, a recent Momo Fundraiser by Mr Mahama is a disapproval of the existing fundraising model allegedly operated by the son of Asiedu Nketiah.
Mr Mahama days ago, urged 500,000 Ghanaians and NDC faithfuls to donate Ghs10 each to help fund the party’s 10th Congress.
Mahama’s announcement comes after allegations were made by a Vice Chairman of the party, Alhaji Said Sinare that Asiedu Nketia’s son, one Kwaku Nketiah, has been awarded contract by the Party to print ID cards, receive dues and other party funds, while keeping 2percent.
Alhaji Sinare, further disclosed that the General Secretary, has sole-sourced and awarded a contract to a company that makes 20percent commission on dues and filing fees collected from NDC members.
The vice chairman alleged that General Mosquito, singularly brought in a company of his son to collect dues, issue cards, etc to party members without FEC having a say, but Aseidu Nketiah in reaction to the allegations in a statement through his campaign team, said it is a blatant lie.
However, the NLA PRO is not convinced. Mr Dei believes Mahama is smartly avoiding using the alleged Asiedu Nketia son’s dues collection system.
“1% E levy NDC says, no but their General Secretary’s son is charging them 20% Kwasiabi Nti Levy on every dues paid to the party.
Elder Ofosu Ampofo 1 – General Mosquito-0. Presidential Staffer, Charles Nii Teiko Tagoe this is to destroy the party dues and donations platform operated by Aseidu and Sons. You can ask Edem Agbana Eric Adjei Wonder Madilo” Mr Dei wrote.
