News:
June 16, 2011
Former Information Minister and Member of Parliament for Okere, Dan Kweku Botwe says the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) party has set a wrong precedence with the launch of its ‘Heroes Fund’.
According to him, this will serve as a catalyst for NDC youth to engage in various acts of violence in the upcoming 2012 general elections.
The leadership of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) recently launched a ‘Heroes Fund’ to assist supporters and loyalists who have encountered misfortunes, incapacitations or other forms of deprivations in the course of their service to the party.
It would also cater for the needs of dependants of victims who have lost their lives while working in the interest of the NDC as well as non-members of the party in similar situations.
The Heroes’ Fund, registered as a non-governmental organization, would be governed by a seven-member board of trustees. These individuals would formulate policies, raise funds from both local and international sources and see to its disbursement. The Board of Trustees is also expected to invest revenues accrued in profitable ventures.
But speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem show on Thursday, the Member of Parliament for Okere Dan Botwe states that the NDC leadership’s decision to launch such as fund will have far reaching consequences during the 2012 elections as it will embolden the party youth to engage in life threatening acts.
“Even when there was no money set up for them, see how the youth involved themselves in political violence in previous elections such as Atiwa and Chereponi, this will even be worse now that there is a fund set up for them” he said.
He said a ‘welfare fund’ would have been an appropriate name for the fund, since a hero is supposed to be a person who is admired by many for doing something brave or good.
“What sort of bravery is the NDC hierarchy expecting from their youth during upcoming election? they may end up maiming themselves or dying’’ he added.
Kwadwo Anim/ghanamps.gov.gh