Herbert Mensah: I Must Be A Very Powerful Person To Influence The Rawlingses

“Radical” Friend of the Rawlingses and former Chief Executive Officer of Kumasi Asante Kotoko Football Club, Herbert Mensah, has laughed off reports linking him to the decision by former First Lady, Nana Konadu, to contest the flagbearership position of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), saying he must be a very powerful man indeed to influence the Rawlingses.

He was reacting to speculations that he (Herbert) was fueling the rivalry between former President Rawlings and President Mills, and is also one of the financiers behind Mrs. Rawlings’ campaign to pip the incumbent NDC leader to the party’s flagbearer position.

Grapevine reports indicates the former Country Director of MNET West Africa is the brain behind a recent poll whose findings show Mrs. Rawlings is more popular in the party than President Mills; and that she would win the 2012 elections if elected to lead the party.

But speaking in an interview with Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM’s flagship programme, “Kokrokoo” Morning show, Mr. Mensah said it is ridiculous for anybody to think he can influence a powerful man who has ruled the country for nineteen (19) years.

“When I hear of people saying that I am the one influencing the Rawlingses and so on…then I am a powerful man, Kwami. For a whole leader for 19 years to be listening to one small boy who is opinionated on both sides of the fence…with strong semi-political statements…, then indeed I have to look myself in the mirror again because that is not how I see myself,” he stated.

Asked if his response should be seen as a denial of being part of the Campaign Team of Nana Konadu For President 2012, the business mogul was emphatic that he is not a member of the former First Lady’s campaign team. He revealed that his prime aim is to retrieve all his assets that were ceased by the erstwhile Kufuor administration.

“I am not a member of the campaign team as people are postulating. I am a friend of the family that is indisputable; they have very strong views on the way things should be. She has declared her intention and I went to her campaign launch but as an observer and took to my hobby of taking pictures. I am not part of the inner strategy group of the campaign…maybe I am more important than I think I am,” he stated.

He pointed out that he would have taken center stage of the campaign if he was part of it, adding that he would have been in charge of coordinating affairs including arranging interviews and a whole lot of other activities citing the Face Of Africa, Africa Film Awards and Max Brito (Rugby Charity match) as examples.