Former Member of Parliament(MP) for Manhyia North Constituency, Mr. Collins Owusu Amankwah is insisting that the overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II indeed endorsed flagbearer aspirant of the New Patriotic Party(NPP) John Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen.
This affirmation from the Former MP comes barely a fortnight after Yaa Naa Abukari II issued a strong disclaimer stating categorically that, he did not endorse Alan as was reported by a section of the media.
The Former Trade Minister during his visit to the North called on the King of Dagbon at his palace. However, after the visit, there were reports in the media suggesting that the Yaa Naa had told Alan Kyerematen, it was Alan’s time to lead the NPP as flagbearer.
However, a press statement signed by the Secretary to the Yaa Naa rejected the media reports and affirmed Yaa Naa’s openness to all.
“In particular, the reports suggest that His Royal Majesty had declared that it was the turn of Hon. Alan Kyerematen to lead the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) as a flagbearer”, the statement said.
“His Majesty wishes to state categorically that he made no such claim,” the release stated, adding, “I have not endorsed Hon. Alan Kyerematen and wish to state categorically that the doors of my Palace are open for all”, it added.
But speaking on Hello FM Kumasi, Mr. Collins Owusu Amankwah who was with Alan at the Palace of the King insisted that he made the endorsement statements adding that there is video footage to prove his point.
“When we got to the north it was shocking the kind of reception Mr. Alan Kyerematen received; how happy they were and the sort of motivational messages they offered him, to the extent that, the King of Dagbon Yaa Naa affirmed that it is your turn. He put on a white smock on him (Alan Kyerematen) and gave him a cola nut. After he went ahead and gave Alan Kyerematen GHC 1000 cash and told him, this money some years back was very valuable, and I know that when you come, it will work again”, Mr. Collins Owusu Amankwah told King Edward De Slave on Hello FM.
When his attention was drawn to a statement from the Yaa Naa disclaiming the fact that he endorsed Alan Kyerematen, Collins Owusu Amankwah sharply insisted saying the said to dispute the claim didn’t come from the office of the Yaa Naa but rather people who are playing dirty politics.
“Don’t let anybody disturb the Yaa Naa with their dirty politics. This was a live program; it was on video and everyone saw it. It wasn’t written. Even after the disclaimer, the Palace insisted that when the King speaks, it is final”, Hon Collins Owusu Amannkwah revealed adding that the phone number attached to the statement was never reachable after its release, an indication that, the statement was not real according to him.
“You ask yourself if you were ever able to reach the phone number they added to the statement. It has never been reachable since the release of the statement”, he challenged.