NPP are not liberal democrats-Kwetey

Mr. Fiifi Kwetey, Propaganda Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Monday accused the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) of peddling false claims that it stood for liberal democratic values and principles.      "The most successful fraud, the NPP political family has foisted on Ghanaians especially the younger generation was the grand deception that the group has always been believers of liberal democratic principles. They constantly beat their chests about their belief in democracy, freedom of speech, media freedom and good governance."      Mr. Kwetey was addressing journalists at the fourth media encounter organized by the NDC as part of its "Set the Records Straight" series which is meant to correct distortions by the NPP on issues concerning the country's development agenda.      Mr. Kwetey said, to be able to tell the truth about the party's plans and aspirations for the nation's future, it was critical for the NPP to demonstrate a track record of being able to tell the truth about its past.      "Those who are unable to tell the truth about their past cannot be trusted to tell the truth about their present and their future. The NDC has proven time and again that it is not in denial about its past. The NPP on the other hand continues to run away from its sordid past and this accounts for its inability to tell the truth," he said.      Mr. Kwetey said the NPP always defined the NDC as a party that originated from a violent political tradition      "The Danquah-Busia tradition and the NPP family has, through lies and deliberate distortions almost succeeded in painting its political opponents black and creating a false impression that its own tradition has always been shinning examples of democracy.      "What the NPP family has attempted to do to the NDC was exact replica of what it did to Dr. Kwame Nrumah when the Convention People's Party(CPP) was in office and was thrown out of office."      Mr. Kwetey said it was the National Liberation Movement (NLM) which had its roots in the Danquah-Busia tradition that introduced tribal politics and violence in Ghana.       "The NLM begat the United Party (UP), and the UP begat the Progress Party, which eventually brought forth the NPP. The violence that took place during NPP's primaries in Bekwai, Suhum and Offinso South today represents an integral part of the tradition of violence that has characterized the bloodline of the NPP", he said.      Mr. Kwetey called on the NPP to stop boasting that it was through its tenure that good governance and multi-party democracy was being promoted in the country.     He said the Danquah-Busia tradition and the NPP family was well known for its "bomb throwing" democratic principles, selective justice against political opponents, manipulation of the judiciary, sponsoring military coups, dislike for multi-democracy, human rights violations abuse of the right of free speech and press freedom.      Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Deputy General Secretary of the NDC said since the youth have become victims of propaganda it was essential that they know the truth about past political events to enable them to make informed decisions when casting their votes. GNA