What has now become known as “the explosive NDC tape” continues to stir more confusion in the opposition party, as members, especially elements loyal to the embattled national chairman, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, seek to ascertain the source of the leak.

Information available to the Daily Statesman indicates that the ‘Ofosu Ampofo camp’ in the NDC are pointing fingers at the ‘Mahama camp’ as the source of the leak.

“Elements loyal to our national chairman believe a pro-Mahama national officer recorded and leaked the tape.

“The reason is to make our chairman look bad and set the stage for his removal from office so that they can further an agenda of getting their choice of person to become Mahama’s running mate,” our source in the party said yesterday.

Julius Debrah

According to our source, former First Lady Lordina Mahama is bent on making sure her close ally and a former Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, is selected as the running mate to Mr. Mahama.

“But the main challenge is that because Ofosu Ampofo is from the Eastern Region, there can be no justification in selecting Julius Debrah as the running mate because he is also from the Eastern Region. The only option is to get Ofosu Ampofo out as the chairman.

“That is why some of us were not surprised when Mahama virtually confirmed the authenticity of the tape at the weekend. It was all part of the plot,” our source added.

Charged

Mr. Ofosu Ampofo was yesterday slapped with four charges by the Police over the explosive recording.

He was formally placed under arrest and is facing charges of threat of harm, rioting and assaulting a public officer.

He was said to have categorically denied all the charges when he appeared before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Police Service for interrogation.

He has since been granted a GH¢400,000 bail with two sureties, and is to report back to the CID headquarters on Thursday.

Lives at risk

Mr. Ofosu-Ampofo is heard on the explosive tape giving details of a plot hatched by the NDC to put the lives of their political opponents in danger.

He proposes that this involve kidnapping relatives of activities for the governing New Patriotic Party, among other things, to make life uncomfortable for the NPP.

He also explains how the NDC intends to attack the personality of President Nana Akufo-Addo by repeatedly creating the impression that he is a violent person.

Other plans involve smearing the Electoral Commissioner, jean Mensa; inciting NDC members to insult key religious leaders, especially Most Reverend Professor Emmanuel Asante, chairman of the National Peace Council; and attacking civil society organizations.