Former Deputy Tourism Minister under the erstwhile National Democratic Congress has re-ignited his political career with a defection to the ruling New Patriotic Party.
According to Owuraku Amofa, the NPP manifesto provided the best solutions to the problems facing the people of Ghana.
Mr. Amofa touted some achievements of the NPP, adding the foundation had been laid and there was the need to continue from there.
In an exclusive interview with Joy News’ Bernard Shaibu, Owuraku Amofa explained his surprise exit from the country.
“I wasn’t going to help a candidate that I felt was not suitable for the country and win an election”
Mr. Owuraku Amofa founded the Eagle Party, and went into an alliance with NDC, but the two parties severed ties after differences over the party’s choice of vice presidential candidate in the 2000 election.
His defection notwithstanding, Owuraku Amofa had some kind words for ex-President Rawlings.
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| Owuraku Amofa, while he was Deputy Minister of Tourism |
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"He (Rawlings) knew the vision, he wanted to do things for the ordinary people and was ready to do them, but i cannot say the same for the one i had to support in 2000."
Until his defection on Wednesday, Owuraku Amofa had been lost on the political radar as a result of his eight years stay in the US.
Officials of the NPP are brimming with smiles after several defections in their favour.
Head of communication for the Akufo-Addo campaign team, Arthur Kennedy insists the defections of Grace Omaboe and Frances Essiam who were all members of the NDC were “signs that people want to be part of the winning team.”
But the NDC discounted the impact the defection of Amofa would have on the fortunes of the party in the December polls.
Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Deputy General Secretary of the NDC told Joy News, Amofa had for the past eight years ceased to be a member of the party, and his defection would not affect the party in any way.
Listen the interviews on the attached audio.
Story by Nathan Gadugah
