Former Lawra Member of Parliament Anthony Abayifaa Karbo has criticised the National Democratic Congress (NDC) delegation for walking out of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) national executives conference over delays, warning that the action could undermine the longstanding relationship between the two political parties.
Karbo, a former chairperson of the NPP National Delegates Conference Organising Committee, described the decision as “most unfortunate”, arguing that the delegation should have exercised patience and waited to deliver its solidarity message despite the delay in proceedings.
Speaking to Umaru Sanda Amadu on Citi FM, in comments monitored by MyNewsGh.com, Karbo said the two parties had attended one another’s conferences over the years and should demonstrate mutual respect, even when events failed to begin at their scheduled times.
He maintained that the NPP had also experienced delays at NDC events but had remained at such gatherings to deliver its message of solidarity.
“We have attended their conferences, and look, they don’t always start at the time they give us. But we have the patience to wait and give our solidarity message,” he said.
## Karbo questions decision to hold press conference
The former MP took particular issue with the NDC deputy organiser’s decision to leave the event and subsequently address the media over the delay.
He described the move as disrespectful, arguing that the delegation could have handled its concerns differently, considering the history of engagement between the two parties.
“I thought it was most unfortunate for the NDC deputy organiser to walk away and grant that very disrespectful press conference,” Karbo stated.
He further warned that the walkout could send a negative signal about the relationship between the NPP and NDC, which have maintained political and institutional interactions over the years.
“We have worked with them for many years. And that is a very wrong sign that they gave,” he added.
## Ghanaian jollof served while delegation waited
Karbo also disclosed that the visiting NDC delegation had been served Ghanaian jollof while waiting for the conference proceedings to continue.
The detail formed part of his argument that the delegation could have remained at the venue despite the delay, rather than leaving before delivering its solidarity message.
His comments centre on the need for political parties to maintain cordial relations and exercise tolerance during engagements, particularly at events where representatives are expected to convey goodwill on behalf of their respective organisations.
The controversy highlights the importance of protocol, punctuality and mutual respect in inter-party relations, as political organisations continue to engage each other at official functions and national events.
