David Vondee, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Twifo Atti Morkwa, has apologized for his earlier defense of under-fire Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong regarding the planned purchase of a major stake in hotels belonging to the state-owned pensions outfit, SSNIT, by Acheampong’s company, Rock City Hotels.
Vondee had initially defended Acheampong, stating in an interview on Asempa FM that the minister was a friend and businessman who was unfairly targeted in the public tender process for the hotels. However, he has now made a U-turn on his stance.
In a recent interview on pro-NDC radio station, Power FM, Vondee apologized and retracted his support for the minister. He expressed full support for North Tongu MP, Okudzeto Ablakwa’s campaign against the purchase of state assets by politicians, a position he emphasized was also supported by NDC Flagbearer for the 2024 polls, John Dramani Mahama.
“I apologize to the rank and file of all the NDC members who felt that what I said was unpalatable. I apologize to them and I take my words back totally,” he stated.
“I didn’t mean to hurt the NDC and I am not opposed to Okudzeto Ablakwa. I stand by the position of non-purchase of state assets by politicians as championed by John Mahama and his running mate,” he emphasized.
Vondee also revealed that he had sponsored some of the people who attended the #HandsOffOurHotels demonstration led by Ablakwa earlier in the week.
He clarified that a viral tape of his earlier support for the minister had been truncated and did not reflect his broader and known position on the matter.
“I am very differing on the Bryan issue. Bryan is my friend so I talk about it differently. If you are selling something and I seek to buy it legally, under normal circumstances, I will buy it.
“So why is SSNIT that is seeking to sell our property being excused? And I don’t know how the NDC will understand me. Why is SSNIT being left off the hook and Bryan is being attacked frontally?
“By all standards, Bryan is a businessman, I am a businessman, if you think you don’t want to sell the hotels, stop the deal. The fact is that it is not good for the young man’s business,” he submitted on Accra-based Asempa FM on June 19.
Watch the video of Vondee’s apology and retraction.