A deputy Information Minister, Mohammed Baba Jamal has condemned the leadership of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) for making ethnocentric statements he says have the tendency of disrupting the peace and security of the country ahead of the 2012 general elections. He said the NPP’s desperation to come back to power in 2012 is obvious given the comments of the party’s Chairman Jake Otanka Obetsebi Lamptey and flag-bearer Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Baba Jamal was reacting to comments by the Chairman of the NPP, Jake Obetsebi Lamptey who is alleged to have said Ghana is prone to post election violence similar to what happened in the Ivory Coast if the Electoral Commission (EC) does not live up to expectation. The NPP capo was quoted on Accra-based radio Oman FM, as suggesting Akans in the country would emulate the example of their counterparts in Ivory Coast who championed the post-election violence in the French speaking country and stood for their rights. Government however lashed out at the NPP Chairman Thursday, describing his comment as “ethnically divisive and explosive" statements which could spell doom for the country. But Mr. Obetsebi Lamptey, has dismissed the government accusations, insisting that his comments have been misquoted. Baba Jamal who was contributing to a panel discussion on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen Friday, underscored the need for the leadership of the NPP to apologise to Ghanaians especially Akans for suggesting that they are violent people. He said such comments could have a negative impact on Akans and affect the cordial relationship they have with people from other ethnic groups in the country. Baba Jamal expressed shock at the comment by Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey especially when the NPP is grappling with defending the infamous “All die be die” statement made by Nana Akufo-Addo, flag-bearer of the party. The deputy Information Minister noted that the ”All die be die” mantra by Nana Akufo-Addo triggered politics of insults in the country. Jamal observed that the NPP must be called to order to refrain from making such explosive comments which could divide the country. He debunked claims by the NPP that the NDC intends to rig the 2012 elections, pledging government's commitment to ensuring free, fair and transparent elections. Baba Jamal also urged all political parties to support the Electoral Commission (EC) to strengthen Ghana’s growing democracy.