Volta Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Makafui Woanyah has debunked claims that the governing party has declared war against people of the Volta Region.

The National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) Chairman in the region, Henry Ametefe, had made comments to that effect at a press conference following the deployment of security operatives to unapproved routes at the Ghana-Togo border in the Ketu South Municipality on the 18th of June, 2020. 

The NDC had also asserted that the deployment of the security officials was orchestrated to intimidate and prevent eligible voters in its strongholds from taking part in the registration exercise. 

But speaking at a press conference in Ho, Mr. Woanyah, explained it became incumbent for security to be beefed up at the southern borders following reports of violations of the border closure directive and increase in illegal migration activities at those areas. 

He also lashed out at Mr. Ametefe for making what he believes are ethnocentric, divisive comments and verbally attacking the President and his family, journalists, chefs, civil servants and faithful of the NPP. 

According to Mr. Woanyah, it is unpleasant for an individual of his caliber to resort to tribal bigotry and making pronouncements that threaten the peace and stability of the Volta Region. 

He, therefore, implored Mr. Ametefe to render an unqualified apology and withdraw the ‘unguarded comments’ he made, during his address at an NDC press conference on Thursday, 25th May 2020.

“I wish to use this opportunity to send a clear message to Ametefe that our democracy has matured and there is no room for tribal bigotry, murderous accusations extended to individuals or groups of people, his unprovoked attacks and threats of death or war against people in their lawful employment or members of other political parties other than his must be not be countenanced under any circumstances,” he added.

He described as ‘vain threats’ a call by the NDC Volta Regional Chairman on people in the region to rise up with arms adding he [Mr Ametefe] would be the first casualty in the event of any chaotic situation.

Mr. Woanya also implored Mr. Ametefe to substantiate his claims of the alleged removal of security officers who are Ewes along the borders. 

“Ametefe must be reminded that the Volta Region is not the property of the NDC and can never be. When has it become a law that every citizen of the Volta Region must be a member of the NDC or when does it become a crime for any Voltaraian to belong to any political party other than the NDC”, he questioned. 

He explained that Ghana is a unitary state hence the constitutional guarantee of freedom of association.

He also condemned comments by Mr. Ametefe indicating the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) is the sole property of the Volta Region, because it is situated in the region, hence must be headed and managed by only citizens who originate from the region.

“Elderly and confused people like Ametefe, who are still wallowing in tribal bigotry and self-illusion must be reminded that Ghanaians and for that matter Voltarians cherish peace and will not continue to countenance those who are living on the bonuses of nature to undermine the peace and plunge us into chaos”, he concluded.