Provide evidence we're intimidating you with EOCO or 'shut up' – Gov't to PPP

The Deputy Minister in charge of Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu has challenged the Progressive People’s Party (PPP) to show proof that government is using the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) to intimidate Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom.

The PPP has expressed its displeasure at EOCO for inviting Dr. Nduom to come and explain the source of GHC1.75m following from payment made to the EC for himself and 170 parliamentary candidates.

“Information available to this office is the effect that you financed the recent filing of nominations for both the presidential and parliamentary candidates with the total amount of GHS 1,750,000 from GN Bank,’’ a letter from EOCO according to the Daily Graphic stated in its Monday’s edition.

But the PPP has chided EOCO accusing it of intimidating the presidential candidate and also engaging in a ''selective justice''. Addressing a press conference on Monday, the vice presidential candidate of the PPP, Madam Brigitte Dzogbenuku lambasted EOCO allowing itself to be used by government its assigns to intimidate the party.

‘’Where is the fairness in this act by EOCO? What crime has Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom committed for him to be crucified in such manner? If EOCO wants Ghanaians to take them seriously, why are they not investigating all other presidential candidates who have managed to pay their filing fees well in excess of what the PPP has paid? Why the deliberate application of selective injustice? When the EC made the mistake of issuing a receipt of GHC 1, 700 to the party rather than GHC 1.7 million paid as filing fees, did not warrant EOCO’s investigation? Has EOCO now realized that they have a job to do.’’

However, Felix Ofosu Kwakye has described the claims by PPP as false, illogical and says it needs to be dismissed. He said, state agencies don’t act on the basis of potential fallout of government.

They act in accordance of law and if they want to conduct an investigation into activities of some an institution, they are entitled to do so. He is therefore asking the PPP to use the appropriate means to address their grievances if they believe that they have been treated unfairly.

He questioned the basis on which the PPP is accusing government. Felix Kwakye Ofosu said' it is not proper for people to point accusing fingers at others when they find fault with the law.

‘’For the PPP to come and stand on public platform and level allegations against government especially when they don’t provide any shred of evidence is most regrettable and is something we need to discourage as a country. Otherwise anybody and everybody can make excuses when they have brushes with the law,’’

the Deputy Minister stated. The Deputy Minister was speaking to Accra based Citi FM.