The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the opposition NDC, Yaw Obimpeh says the party must crack the whip on party executives found to have misappropriated campaign funds, a situation that hugely contributed to the defeat of the party in the 2016 elections.
There were claims that President Mahama was compelled to drop names of functional executive committee members whom he gave money to for the 2016 campaign but ended up in individual pockets.
The issue fueled suspicions within the party after several accusations that some executives of the party have embezzled funds meant to run the campaign.
However, footsoldiers were made to believe that the Regional Chairmen hoarded the party cash meant for the party agents and other campaign activities.
Commenting on the confusion which rocked the NDC after the party’s poor show in 2016 elections, Obimpeh said persons who in the course of investigations are indicted for diverting party cash meant for 2016 campaign must be brought to book.
He feels the party must set a standard to guard against unacceptable behaviours incongruous to the party’s progress.
“I want the one who can stand up to me and point out that Ashanti region they arranged for some cash to be given to us for organization during the elections, which I messed up those funds. Nobody brought me monies, apart from George Lawson and his group who came to give us some GHS 20,000.
Aside this money, nobody from the national headquarters sent any money to us. How much did they give us and we’ve misappropriated it? What came through from the headquarters a day before elections, out of the 47 constituencies in Ashanti region. I only received that of just 17 constituencies.
Even the one who brought the money I don’t know him. I made my position clear to the Election Review Committee, that they should probe those matters. And if it turns out that I embezzled the funds I should be penalized for that so that it will serve as a deterrent to others. I have the party at heart, hence I won’t do anything that will set the jeopardy.
“We are all to be blamed for the defeat, from former President Mahama to the grassroot members. To be frank everybody is involved in the defeat of the NDC.”
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