The embattled Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress has been charged with four counts including threat of harm and conspiracy to commit harm.

Samuel Ofosu Ampofo had appeared before the Criminal Investigative Department to assist with investigations into a controversial leaked tape containing threats of kidnap and other comments that have criminal implications.

He was in the company of the national executives and other stalwarts in the party including party General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, Director of Communications Sammy Gyamfi.

Samuel Ofosu Ampofo (middle)

Scores of supporters also massed up outside the precincts of the police headquarters in a show of solidarity to the national chair.

Ofosu Ampofo is heard on the leaked audio charging party communicators to verbally assault the EC chair Jean Mensa whom he accused of being rude.

According to the voice on the tape, the chair of the Peace Council must also not be spared. He charged party communicators to open fire of insults on him for daring to criticize the president’s boot-for-boot comment.

He also made threats of kidnap on some unnamed persons and their families all in a bid to create an atmosphere of insecurity.

The comments which were purportedly made in an NDC Communications meeting were leaked to the media and have since gone viral.

Confounding Explanations

The NDC have been topsy turvy in their reaction to the leaked tape recording. While the Director of Communications Sammy Gyamfi insists the tape recording is doctored, his deputy told the media the content of the tape was original and represents the true position of the NDC.

The ex-president John Mahama who has been elected flagbearer of the NDC did not deny the content of the controversial tape recording. Rather, he sought to rationalize it.

The police, having listened to the content of the tape, invited the NDC party chair to assist with investigations.

He appeared Monday morning and was charged with four counts. Apart from causing harm and conspiracy to commit harm he was also charged with rioting and assault of public officer . He was later bailed and will return to the CID on Thursday.

Chairman Addresses Supporters

Mr. Ofosu Ampofo who addressed the teeming supporters of the party at the Police Headquarters said: “the NDC Chairman is a man of peace. I have been in politics for 30 years and no one has heard an insult from me… The NDC will not undermine the peace and stability of this country.”

He stated that the Police have “handled the [situation] professionally. We believe that anytime the police is in such a situation, you can be sure that they will do a very professional job.”