Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, former flagbearer aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has indicated his readiness to contest the flagbearer position again if nominations are opened. He indicated that his team is resolute despite alleged intimidation from persons belonging to other camps who have shown interest in the race. Mr Agyapong was speaking after announcing his withdrawal from the party’s ‘Thank You Tour’ following a stabbing incident in Kumasi involving one of his supporters.
“I would like to take this opportunity to inform everyone that I am going to contest, and no one can stop me from doing so. They should be prepared. We were among those who built the party and made sacrifices for it. I also want to emphasise that we will regroup ourselves, and when the time is right, we will take the necessary actions to support the party and improve our chances.
The young supporter is alleged to have been stabbed for resisting attempts by some thugs to retrieve a gift of cash received from a friend of Kennedy Agyapong. The tough-talking politician has refused to respond to allegations and alleged assaults, but insists on fighting for justice for the student.
The stabbing incident has already been reported to the police, with three spent bullet shells as evidence for the discharge of firearms by heavily built men. In my normal style, I would have retaliated easily because we know the guy,” Mr Agyapong indicated, referencing the individual who led the assault. According to the NPP stalwart, persons showing up at various venues of the party’s ‘Thank You Tour’ have often been threatened.
Others are alleged to have regularly published fake stories to tarnish his image and negatively impact his potential candidature. “From Berekum to Kumasi, all that has happened tells me that we are not needed. Let them do their own thing,” said Kennedy. According to him, his security team indicated their inability to guarantee the safety of his entourage and others who will troop to the various venues for his sake.
“My team and I will have to pull out after what happened yesterday. Lives are threatened; I don’t think I can protect my team enough,” he announced. “I admit Dr Bawumia was the flagbearer, so if he is going round and for the sake of unity, he invites us and it turns out to be something different, I have to stay away, so they do.”
By: Nana Yaw Gyimah
