Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, has refuted allegations that he shared up to GHS1 million with New Patriotic Party (NPP) executives in the Ashanti Region, despite rumors that he is eyeing the presidency.
Dr. Akoto said in a statement that such statements were baseless.
“I was receiving about 700 delegates after meeting 17 constituency executives for each of the 47 constituencies in my assembly. He argued, “My house does not have the capacity to handle those amounts.”
He also claimed in the declaration that his recent visit to Kumasi was to rest and recover from a fever.
He did entertain some party officials at his house, and they parted ways with some money provided for transportation.
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“I accepted to grant audience to some party executives who had been making calls for a meeting to discuss matters concerning the welfare of the party. However, such meetings end with an amount given as transportation to guests who came from far and near,” the Minister said.
Dr. Akoto also denied allegations that he was using President Akufo-friendship Addo’s to pursue his political ambitions.
“It can only be a figment of one’s imagination to think that by using the President’s name to campaign, I would place him in such an awkward situation,” he said.
“There is a concerted attempt by my opponents from inside and outside my party to trigger dissension between me and the party, as well as between me and the government for which I have worked so hard for the last four years,” Dr. Akoto believes.
Dr. Akoto’s campaign posters have been circulating on social media, fueling speculation about his presidential aspirations.
Apart from him, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and Trade and Industry Minister Alan Kyerematen have earned some support for possible presidential bids.
However, Nana Obiri Boahene, the NPP’s Deputy General Secretary, chastised those who have begun lobbying for some future NPP flagbearers ahead of the 2024 general elections.
The party’s National Executive Committee and National Council have yet to approve campaign activities.
In 2023, the ruling party is due to hold its presidential primary.
Source: ATLFMNEWSROOM
