The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie, has opposed the inclusion of Lt. Col. Larry Gbevlo Lartey, National Security Co-ordinator, as a member of the political committee of the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC’s) campaign team for election 2012.

Mr Owusu-Afriyie, affectionately called Sir John, argued that such an important national position transcended partisan politics because the security and well-being of the nation were of utmost concern to all Ghanaians.

In an interview with the Daily Graphic in Accra, he said Lt. Col. Gbevlo Lartey should not meddle in political party activities, as that would take away his neutrality.

“It is, therefore, wrong and lack of political judgement for the NDC to include the National Security Co-ordinator in its campaign committee for election 2012,” Mr Owusu-Afriyie contended, adding “it is also naive for Lt. Col. Gbevlo Lartey to accept that position.”

He called on Lt. Col. Gbevlo Lartey to resign as the National Security Co-ordinator immediately and dabble in party politics or be removed by President J.E.A. Mills.

“The NPP as a political party will watch with keen interest how the NDC will quickly expedite action on this call,” he said.

According to Mr Owusu-Afriyie, the assurance by President Mills to be a father for all was already being undermined by the selective nature of his governance, adding “this is being further eroded by the appointment of Lt. Col. Gbevlo Lartey to the 12 member campaign committee.”

He said “The NPP won’t be cowed by Lt. Col. Gbevlo Lartey’s appointment which is aimed at putting fear in the large number of Ghanaians who are opposed to the NDC.”

Ghanaians, he said, were so discerning that they would not be intimidated by Lt. Col. Gbevlo Lartey’s appointment.

Source: Daily Graphic