Bawumia Sacks Boy – Over Asawase Seat

An aggrieved New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary aspirant in the Asawase constituency, Manaf Ibrahim, has been relieved of his post as Director of Political Affairs at the Vice President’s office.

Even though the reasons for the decision were not stated in the letter, it is possible it had to do with Manaf’s decision to contest the Asawase NPP Parliamentary seat, contrary to party directives.

The letter stated: “I have been directed to inform you that your appointment as director of political affairs at the vice president’s secretariat has been terminated effective 30th September 2019.

“Notwithstanding the termination, you are under the obligation of confidentiality that you signed during your appointment.

“Please arrange for the return of all official equipment, property and documents in your possession”, part of his suspension letter read.

Authored by Augustine Blay, Secretary to the Vice President, the letter concluded: “I will like to thank you for your service during your period of employment”.

Mr Ibrahim secured an interim injunction from the Kumasi High Court to restrain the party from going ahead with its Extraordinary Delegates Conference which took place on Saturday.

The suit seeks to reverse the decision of the Vetting Committee to disqualify him, leaving the Asokore Mampong Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Alidu Seidu as the sole contender.

Despite the injunction, the NPP Ashanti regional leadership went ahead to approve the MCE through popular acclamation.

In a move to avoid a possible contempt of court, the party’s national leadership said it does not recognise the acclamation of Mr Seidu.

However, the Ashanti Regional Secretary of the governing NPP Sam Payne has insisted, the declaration stands.

On Monday, Secretary to the Vice President, Augustine Blay, wrote to terminate Mr Ibrahim’s appointment effective September 30.