Ken Agyapong: I never attacked Bawumia’s competence

The MP for Assin Central and presidential hopeful of the NPP, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has clarified that his recent commentary about the government’s management of the cedi was not targeted at Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia.

In an interview on Home Radio in Upper West Region, Mr Agyapong explained that his remarks were directed towards a specific MP.

“The truth hurts…so you are the victim, and I am educating you, and you think I’m hitting back? You see, they are not being fair. I did not hit the Vice-President, but I hit one MP because he said, ‘We don’t want somebody who will come and say that ‘I have done this and that for the party and Ghana, but we want a strategist’,” Mr Agyapong was quoted to have said.

Press discontent

He also expressed his disappointment with the media, accusing them of sensationalising news and not providing the full context of his statements.

He emphasised that his remarks were made in an attempt to advise against divisive campaigning within the party and to promote unity among its members.

Mr Agyapong further opened up about his experiences with politics and the challenges he faced, stating, “The people that I have helped, made them who they are today, they are the ones that are against me. I bought cars, gave them money, campaigned for them to win their seats, but now, they’re my number one enemies. But I just look at them, and I say Lord, forgive them because of their stomach”.

Ken’s comments

During his campaign tour in Kintampo East on July 16, Mr. Agyapong expressed his dissatisfaction with the depreciation of the Cedi. He revealed that the value of his $40 million in Cedi equivalent had decreased to $16 million over a period of five months, spanning from March to August 2022.

While Mr. Agyapong refrained from explicitly mentioning names, he remarked that it was peculiar to witness an economic manager seeking budgetary support from the International Monetary Fund and still claim to be a “strategist”.

Mr. Agyapong stressed the significance of conducting a clean campaign during his address. He pledged to address any accusations levelled against him, and emphasized the importance of governing the country with common sense.

The Assin Central lawmaker also cautioned his fellow flagbearer aspirants to maintain a fair and transparent campaign. He assured that he would address every claim made against him and urged others to be mindful of their statements.