The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors, Senyo Hosi, has refuted claims that he's responsible for a viral E-level cake, which was presented to the Majority Leader, at his 65th birthday party.
In a statement by the policy analyst, Senyo Hosi explained that he has a longstanding relationship with the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, which triggered his presence at the legislator's birthday party.
As a guest at the party, Senyo Hosi said he did not present the controversial cake, neither did he participate in its cutting.
According to him, his rapport with the Suame MP, does not cloud his judgement on issues; adding that he's not aligned to the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) or the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
"I am not responsible for the E-levy cake nor did I partake in its cutting. As a guest at anyone’s party, I do not hold responsibility for the type of cake that is ordered or gifted by anyone. I was present when the cake was delivered and can confirm neither OKMB nor the Minority was responsible for the supply of the cake. It was a surprise gift from the very person who delivered the cake.
"OKMB and his family are friends of mine and we do not allow politics to get in the way of our friendship. For those who know me, friendships mean a lot to me. I am happy to have shared in the celebration of my friend’s milestone year of 65. I was present at the 64th and will be present at the next if invited and available.
"OKMB and I sometimes disagree on issues of policy and politics but that does not define my relation with his family. As a friend and observer of his service, I have so much respect and regard for him and his service to mother Ghana. That will not change because of our policy disagreements", Senyo Hosi stated.
He also added that, "It is a known fact that I am friends with and keep relationships with a number of our leaders on both sides of the political divide (NDC and NPP). As matter of fact, I join in most of their celebrations.
These relationships do not define my opinion on issues of policy or my position on the trajectory of our dear nation. These relationships enlighten my perspectives and effectively shape my ability to proffer real solutions on issues of policy. I am my own man and my thoughts are my own".
At the 65th birthday of the Majority Leader at Kumasi, a green coloured cake designed to spell the word ‘E-LEVY’ become a topic of controversy, after it was presented to the celebrant, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu.
This was met with severe backlash from social media users who described it as “crass” and “insensitive”; considering the overwhelming opposition to the proposed tax which is being pushed through Parliament by the Majority side.
One of the pictures of the cake which went viral on social media, had Mr. Senyo Hosi sitting behind it. Consequently, he was roped into the barrage of insults and accusations on social media.
Reacting to this, Senyo Hosi has stated that the assertions are completely false and must be thoroughly dismissed.
"It is no secret that I openly agree and disagree with both political forces when and where required. Despite my good relationships with them, I recently shared strong views on the failings of both parties at the Constitution Day Public Lecture I delivered at UPSA in the presence of OKMB and my brother, Dr Dominic Ayine of the NDC.
"I am one of few persons to serve as a ministerial advisor to ministers from opposing governments (NDC and NPP). Even then, I have been critical of some of their actions and inactions. I am also proud to have had two aunties serve as Ministers of State in opposing Governments (Elizabeth Ohene and the late Dzifa Attivor).
I love them both and yet we agree and disagree over issues of politics and policy. Simply put, I learn from many but I am my own man.
"The fact that I party with and have friends who may be politicians you like or dislike does not define my position on issues of national importance. My presence at any party where E-LEVY is presented as a matter of discussion or as a cake does not define or establish my position on E-LEVY", portions of the statement read.
Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for the Ningo-Prampram constituency, Sam George has dared the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu to name the NDC legislator who allegedly gifted him an E-Levy crafted cake.
This follows a comment by a Ranking Member on the Roads Committee of Parliament, Kennedy Nyarko Osei, who explained that the cake was the handiwork of the Minority group.
In a Facebook post, he stated that the cake was presented by the Minority Caucus “to the Majority Leader on behalf of their caucus and kept the pictures all this while and decided to release them ahead of the planned ‘Yentua Demonstration’ to ruffle the feathers of Ghanaians to get them more angry at government.”
However, Sam George says the onus now falls on the Majority Leader to prove the allegation by naming the NDC MP or MPs who gifted him the said cake.
“The CDD and ISODEC should be calling out the likes of the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu who at the height of Ghanaians agitation against the E-Levy celebrates his birthday with an E-levy cake. Such insensitivity! And when he’s called out for it, he says that it was somebody in the Minority.
"I dare Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu if he has any integrity left in him, I am daring Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu. I said I am daring him if he has any integrity left he should mention the MP who sent it to him”, he said on PM Express on Wednesday.
Latest Stories
-
NDC Obuasi East MP-elect hails Supreme Court decision on re-collation
7 hours -
2024/25 GPL: Kwame Opoku scores on return as Asante Kotoko beat Gold Stars
7 hours -
Philip Nai and friends spend time with kids of Agblezaa on Christmas eve
8 hours -
Education is in crisis – NCPTA General Secretary
9 hours -
Celebrating 65 years of impact: Commonwealth scholars and fellows alumni in Ghana
9 hours -
Our confidence in the law has borne fruits – Ebi Bright on SC ruling
9 hours -
Mandamus application to be heard by new High Court judge – Supreme Court rules
10 hours -
Krofuom residents attack GNFS personnel as fire destroys Trinity TV and church
10 hours -
Movie review: Peter Sedufia’s ‘One Night Guests’
11 hours -
Three dead, several injured in accident on Cape Coast-Accra highway
11 hours -
MTN donates to support two hospitals in Savannah region
11 hours -
NDC victory a call to action for agricultural and economic revitalization in Ghana – Klutse Kudomor
11 hours -
Adidome Chief alarmed over rising teenage pregnancy in Central Tongu, calls for collective stakeholder action
11 hours -
MTN Foundation celebrates Christmas with new mothers across Ghana
11 hours -
MTN Ghana presents hampers to 60 Christmas babies in Central region
11 hours