The Member of Parliament for Sekondi, Hon. Lawyer Andrew Egyapa Mercer, who also serves as the Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, has refuted corruption allegations made against him by his opponent from the NDC, Blay Armah Nyamike.
During an interview on Empire FM and Radio 360’s morning program hosted by Kwame Malcolm, Mercer challenged his opponent to engage in a clean campaign.
“I have been an MP, and before that, I owned a law firm with five employed lawyers who are actively practicing. Is he [Blay Nyamike] saying I can’t afford a 50th birthday party? I was born in Sekondi, and my uncle ‘K.K.’ took care of us. It is by grace that I have come this far, so if he wants us to go dirty, we can, but that won’t develop Sekondi,” he stated.
The Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister emphasized that despite his numerous projects in Sekondi, the decision of who will lead the constituency in the upcoming December 7, 2024, polls lies with the constituents.
Addressing the over 30-year-old abandoned Centre for National Culture building in Fijai, Sekondi, Mercer assured its completion before the end of his tenure.
“I have extensively deliberated on the extent of work needed to complete the CNC. Eva Mends, a Western Region native and Director at the Ministry of Finance, has assured the necessary finances for the project. She was instrumental, along with Hon. Joe Ghartey, in the redevelopment of Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital into a teaching hospital. With the estimates ready and only a correspondence left to finalize, I am confident this project will be completed within my 6-month tenure as Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture,” he emphasized.
Mercer also expressed optimism about Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (Napo) being selected as the running mate for the NPP flagbearer. He dispelled claims of arrogance against Dr. Prempeh, sharing his positive experiences working under him.
“I worked as a deputy minister under Dr. Opoku Prempeh. He is always active and working in his office. You can’t procrastinate when working with him. He will definitely garner support for the NPP, and I hope he will be confirmed as the running mate. People have different perceptions, but I can attest to Napo’s generosity. The perceptions of him being defensive are likely due to the public scrutiny that figures like him face,” Mercer concluded.
Source:Kwame Malcolm
