As expected, the National Chairman of the NPP, Mr. Peter Mac Manu has responded to scathing attacks on the party by former president Rawlings. He called on supporters of the New Patriotic Party to ignore Mr. Rawlings’ criticisms describing them as unfounded. The former president in a Republic Day address at his Ridge residence accused the government of masterminding the killing of Ya Na and his subjects. “Right from the onset, the Honourable Ya Na and his councillors were not killed because any of he and his elders was guilty of any crime. The NPP regime needed to emasculate by stamping an electrifying authority, a virtual shock and all, as some in western power would say, on the citizenry of Ghana.” He said the government had engaged in gross human rights violations and abuses including killings. “One of your lot was sacrificed in Kumasi because he indicated that he was going to stand for one of the parliamentary seats. That whole scenario, that whole charade was described as a contract killing. I stand here before you and I say that I disagree, because I know the nature of these people a little too well. And that’s why I’m going to share a few thoughts and experiences with you” he told journalists at the event. Mr. Mac Manu described the remarks of the former president as “cheap talk” that was completely unnecessary. He told Joy News that unlike Mr. Rawlings who used heavy handedness and force to rule Ghana, the NPP was committed to abiding by the principles and tenets of democracy. Story by Malik Abass Daabu