Prof. Botchwey dispels interest in NDC chairmanship reports

Professor Kwesi Botchwey has dismissed media reports suggesting that he had picked forms to contest as National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

A statement from Prof. Botchwey’s office said such reports stemmed from “some faceless people” looking to stain his reputation.

“The office of Professor Kwesi Botchwey received with surprise the news being carried by Myjoyonline news portal that, he has picked a form to contest for the office of National Chairman in the upcoming NDC congress slated for later this year. The office wants to put it on record that Professor Kwesi Botchwey has not authorised any person to pick a form on his behalf, or has he ever considered contesting for the office of NDC National Chairman.”

According to the statement, his office considered “ this act by some faceless people as desperate, wicked and devious with the intent of portraying him as inconsistent with his decisions, and a deliberate attempt to create confusion in the mind of his teeming supporters.”

His office had said it would investigate the matter “and report this conduct to the National Executive Committee to bring to book the persons behind this desperate conduct.”

The statement however hinted that Prof. Botchwey, who chaired the committee to investigate the defeat of the party in the 2016 elections, would be serving in some capacity within the NDC as it makes a bid to return to power.

“In the coming days, Professor Kwesi Botchwey shall publicly declare his intention and the capacity in which he will decide to lead the party for victory 2020. We want to assure our teeming supporters that Prof. Kwesi Botchwey remains resolute to the agenda agreed on,” the statement concluded.

Professor Botchwey is Ghana’s longest-serving Finance Minister having held the ministerial portfolio from 1982 to 1995. 

He also made his first attempt as a flagbearer in 2002 when he contested Prof. John Evans Atta Mills for the 2004 NDC flagbearer slot.