Daily Guide: Rawlings Shakes Team

Former President Jerry John Rawlings has carried out major changes in his team as he appoints James Out to replace his dismissed special assistant, Victor Emmanuel Smith, a veritable source close to the Boom Junction residence at Ridge told Daily Guide. Like Victor Smith, Otu was a political aide under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government and was actively involved in Mills' botched presidential bid in 2004. Sources said Otu was part of an advance team of the Mills campaign in 2004 which he lost to President John Agyekum Kufuor. He is said to be a confidante of Mr. Rawlings but has a career as an events and protocol manager. The former President has also formalised the appointment of Kofi Adams, NDC Deputy Youth Organiser as head of Public Affairs and spokesman for Rawlings, a role played by Victor Smith, while Dr. K.A. Ceasar stands in as head of administration. Mr Adams has already settled in his new office as he was in charge of the media during last week's visit to the Rawlingses by the boxing legend, Azumah Nelson. Ceasar is to be assisted by a certain Dr Hannah, a Veterinary doctor. However, the old horse Valerie Sackey and Fiifi Kwetey, NDC Propaganda Secretary are still hanging around at the office of the former President as support staff. Further information indicates that Hannah Tetteh, former MP for Awutu Senya has been appointed to replace John Mahama as Director of Communications of the NDC, after his elevation to vice-presidential candidate to the flagbearer. Her deputy is Seth Ofori who has bounced back to the Mills campaign team after a year in school. Seth read Political Communication at the University of Cardiff in the United Kingdom. Victor Smith was sacked through an SMS text message from his boss asking him to draft his own dismissal letter following the acrimony that characterized the selection of a running mate to Prof Mills. Victor supported John Mahama against the wish of his boss and his wife, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, who rooted for Betty Mould Iddrisu, wife of veteran politician Mahama Iddrisu. "Thanks for your services to my Office, Mr Victor Smith. Draft a press release relieving you as staff of my office to enable you continue your political career hopefully in the office of Prof Mills. Press announcement to be prepared right away. Thanks and God guide you.-JJR," the message read. Mr Smith has since joined the Mills campaign team and was part of John Mahama's entourage to Kumasi recently.