NPP youth rescind decision to block Kufuor from attending Mahama inauguration

Enoch Darfah Frimpong Politics Jan - 03 - 2013 , 19:00

The youth wing of opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Young Patriots, has withdrawn an earlier threat to protest against former President John Kufuor over his decision to attend the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect, John Dramani Mahama on Monday, January 7, 2013.

The group had vowed to prevent former President Kufuor from attending the inauguration, and also planned to march to the Airport West residence of the former President on Thursday January 3 to articulate their disapproval of Mr. Kufuor's decision to break ranks with the NPP which is boycotting the ceremony.

The office of the former President has indicated that President Kufuor would attend the inauguration because he is a statesman and should therefore rise above political party affairs.

The Young Patriots however in a statement said, its decision to rescind the planned protest was arrived at after a closed door meeting with former President Kufuor.

'Our demonstration on 8th January 2013, to protest the swearing in of President Mahama still stands and we will present a petition to donor partners and foreign missions to the effect that the NDC and President Mahama will not accept the decision of the Supreme Court when judgment is delivered.

'We are by this press statement calling on all our supporters to step down any effort aimed at preventing the former President from attending the event. He has our full support as he seeks to serve the national interest.”