Electoral Commission okays NPP conference arrangements

The Electoral Commission has expressed satisfaction over electoral arrangements made at the Tamale ultra modern stadium ahead of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) national delegates conference slated for April 12, 2014 in Tamale.

Deputy Chairman of the EC, Alhaji Amadu Sule who supervised final touches to the sitting arrangements and setting up of polling stations on Thursday April 10, 2014 described the electoral arrangements as excellent.

He told Citi News a total of 80 officials from the EC headquarters were expected to augment the efforts of the Northern Regional directorate to supervise the elections.

The Northern Regional EC Director, Mr. Bruce Ayisi said eight polling stations were to be mounted to fast track the voting exercise.

The NPP’s national Director of Elections, Martin Agyei Korsa Mensah said accreditations for the delegates and the media had been sorted out.

He anticipated that the conference would be conducted devoid of rancor or unforeseen obstacles.
A former Minister of Information, Steven Asamoah Boateng appreciated the preparations ahead of the conference and appealed to the aspirants and their teeming supporters to play it safe.

He was optimistic that the NPP would be united after the conference which would attract both foreign and local observers.

In a related the development, the NPP’s 2012 Presidential candidate, Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo Addo who arrived in Tamale on Thursday April 10, 2014 with his trusted twice running mate, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia paid courtesy calls on some clergy in Tamale.

He visited the Tamale central mosque and the Masjidul Bayan Muslim community where he commended the Northern Regional Chief, Imam Alhaji Abubakari Abdul Salam and Sheikh Ibrahim Basha for continually preaching peace during their sermons.

Nana Addo appealed to the clergy to pray for the nation’s unity and progress as well a successful NPP conference.

Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia was expected to join the Friday congregational prayer on April 11, 2014 at the Tamale central mosque were special prayer would be offered for a peaceful and successful conference.

Some NPP bigwigs in Nana Addo’s delegation included former Greater Accra Regional Minister, Sheikh I.C Quaye, former Northern Regional Minister, Prince Imoro Andani, former Tamale Mayor, Mohammed Amin Adam Anta and Mr. Agyarko.

Some media houses across the nation arrived ahead of the conference to set up their stands.

Sellers of NPP paraphernalia, smocks, roasted guinea fowl and other local dishes cashed on the influx of people who have already stormed Tamale ahead of the conference.
By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah