Bryan Acheampong, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Abetifi Constituency in the Eastern Region and Minister for Food and Agriculture, has come under intense backlash after reiterating a controversial statement he made months ago.
Speaking at a rally in Nsawam on Sunday, August 11, Acheampong stated that the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) would do whatever it takes to retain power in the upcoming December 7 presidential election. This was not the first time he made such a remark, which many have criticized as reckless.
“So, we would do whatever it takes to win the elections. We are a political party that has pastors, imams, and traditionalists so whatever means we would take to win the elections, we would do so,” Mr. Acheampong said.
However, his latest comment sparked renewed fury on social media, with many condemning the statement and calling on him to retract and apologize.
Some prominent members and executives of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) also issued warnings to the Minister, who was recently accused of attempting to buy state assets.
In response to the MP’s comment, the Deputy National Communication Officer of the NDC, Malik Basintale, said Ghanaians recently “observed when he [Bryan Acheampong] attempted to take over the [SSNIT] hotels, and we intervened. And now he dares to say he will not hand over power to former President Mahama? I have a message for him; on December 9th, if the people vote for John Mahama and your MPs, if he is truly a man, let him refuse to hand over power, and he will see what happens. When iron meets iron, you will see fire.”
US-based controversial media personality, Kevin Taylor, also reacted by threatening Rock City Hotel which is owned by the Mr. Acheampong, with arson.
“Just 70 cedis worth of petrol and 5 cedis matches can raze down the whole Rock City owned by Bryan Acheampong,” part of his Facebook post read.
