Invite To Manifesto Launch Is "Distasteful" - Rawlings' Office

The Office of former President Jerry John Rawlings, has reacted angrily to what he says is the disrespect shown to his role and position in the National Democratic Congress, ahead of the official launch of the party�s manifesto in the Volta Region. In a letter released and signed by the former President�s aide, Capt. Afeku-Amenyo (rtd.), the Former President Rawlings expressed �grave reservations over the manner His Excellency is invited to meetings and events involving the National Democratic Congress.� The office of the former president accused the NDC executives of preparing the letter in haste, thereby making a number of errors on the schedule. The letter said �It is distasteful and discourteous to officially inform the former President and Founder of the party of such a significant event a day before it takes place, especially when the invitee is expected to travel.� The letter described as impudent, the use of the former President�s name to advertise such events when he has neither received an invitation nor confirmed his attendance at such events. President Rawlings, according to the letter, has not received a copy of the manifesto and therefore is not privy to the contents, saying �we therefore wonder what his reference point will be when he has to deliver a short statement.� Meanwhile, the General Secretary of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nkentsia says the back and forth on the invitation to former President Rawlings is an internal party matter which he is not prepared to discuss in the public.