Government has denied claims by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) that it has plans to orchestrate attacks on the party’s presidential candidate and running mate.

The acting National Chairman of the NPP, Freddy Blay, at a press conference alleged that government was plotting to attack the party's flagbearer, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and running mate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

But Communications Minister Dr Omane Boamah in a statement said the claim is false and malicious. The statement said “this is the most immature defence ever attempted in a serious matter as this one. We note that since news broke of the arrest of the individuals, the NPP has rendered rumbling and incoherent responses in a bid to escape the widespread condemnation and public opprobrium they have suffered.”

Below is the full statement

NPP's MALICIOUS AND WICKED ALLEGATIONS TO JUSTIFY THE UNTHINKABLE

Government has learnt of a press conference organised by the New Patriotic Party at which its Acting National Chairman, Freddie Blay alleged that the three South Africans and two Ghanaians arrested for activities deemed prejudicial to the security of the country were brought in, in response to an NDC-government plot to attack their presidential and vice presidential candidates.

Without prejudice to the outcome of investigations and legal processes, we wish to state as follows;

1. The claim made by Freddie Blay defies comprehension. It is both false and malicious.

This is the most puerile defence ever attempted in a serious matter as this one.

We note that since news broke of the arrest of the individuals, the NPP has rendered rumbling and incoherent responses in a bid to escape the widespread condemnation and public opprobrium they have suffered. This wicked lie however is the most ridiculous yet and only reflects the desperation arising out of lack of leadership that has beset the NPP.

The NPP has demonstrated over the years that it prefers violence and chaos as means of addressing disputes even within their party. This has been on display over the past few years.

Leading functionaries of the NPP including their flagbearer are also on record to have made incendiary statements seeking to incite violence for purposes of attaining political power. Mr Akufo-Addo’s call for his party youth to resort to violence in his infamous “all die be die” war cry is a case in point and is not lost on Ghanaians.

Issued in Accra on Thursday, March 24, 2016.

President John Mahama has a proven track record of peaceful conduct and never in his political life has he encouraged violence in contrast to Mr Akufo-Addo.

The sterile attempt therefore, by the NPP to extricate itself from this potentially nation-wrecking manoeuvre through wicked-dark lies has failed.

Government is not and will never be afflicted by the intractable disease of 'hankering-after-violence'.

2. Government reiterates its commitment to taking all necessary steps to ensure the security of our people and borders and commends the country’s security agencies for their vigilance and swift action which led to the apprehension of these individuals.

We note that months before this incident they had also arrested persons transporting or possessing substantial caches of ammunition in Kumasi and Aflao. We will continue to extend the necessary assistance to the security agencies to enable them carry out their functions in a more efficient and effective manner.

3. We are also encouraged by the profuse and widespread expression of national revulsion and outrage at these attempts by the NPP to undermine our collective peace and security.

We wish all Ghanaians happy Easter and urge them to exercise restraint and caution during the period in order to avert any excesses.

Signed:

EDWARD K. OMANE BOAMAH (DR.)

(Minister)