NDC means “National Democritisation of Chobo” – Nana Fredua

NDC means “National Democritisation of Chobo” – Nana Fredua

Nana Fredua-Agyeman Ofori-Atta

A member of the NPP communications team has given the ruling National Democratic Congress a new name to fit the acronym NDC that is sure to get a few hackles raised.

Commenting on President Mahama’s ministerial appointments, especially of Ministers of State at the Office of the President, Nana Fredua-Agyeman Ofori-Atta said the president was only creating avenues for the dissipation of the public purse by NDC members.

The NDC, which stands for National Democratic Congress, was now transforming into a “National Democritisation of Chobo,” he declared.

‘Chobo’ is loosely translated as the siphoning of funds, usually public, into private accounts or pockets. It can also be associated with the receipt of kickbacks.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show on Wednesday January 23, 2012, Nana Ofori-Atta said ministries and ministers were being created “for Chobo, chopping of government cash and other things.

NDC is engaged in cement politics,” he alleged.

Nana Ofori-Atta took particular issue with the appointment of Fifi Kwettey, formerly Deputy Minister of Finance but now Minister of State at the Office of the President in charge of Financial and Allied institutions, arguing that there were better qualified persons for the job.

As well, he questioned the “large” number of Ministers of State at the presidency in charge of various sectors of the economy when there were already substantive ministers for those Ministries, saying it could lead to unnecessary turf wars and slow down national development.

The NPP communicator called on the President to take a second look at his appointments to forestall unnecessary criticism of his actions.

Contributing to the discussion Samuel Amoako, Deputy Communications Director of the Progressive People’s Party also questioned the appointments, saying many “overlapped” and were “unnecessary.”

“For instance, why create a Minister in charge of scholarships? Why not strengthen the Scholarship Secretariat to do the same job?”

Citing the UK and Ireland Chairman of the NDC – who was also in the studio – Mr Amoako faulted government for refusing to recognize the contribution of Ghanaians in the diaspora, saying there were many qualified and experienced persons who could contribute to national development but such persons had been overlooked.