NPP Aspirant Questions Decision To Disqualify Him

The Vetting Committee (VC) of New Patriotic Party (NPP) is said to have disqualified five aspirants from contesting for various positions in the party’s upcoming congress to select national executives.

Notable among them is Fred Kwaku Amankwah-Sarfo, who until his exclusion was vying for the National Vice-Chairmanship position in the NPP’s upcoming congress.

Peacefmonline can confirm that Fred Amakwah Sarfo, Hajia Fatima, and Philomena Serwah Akoto (who were all vying for Vice-Chairmanship positions), Kamal Abdulai (who was contesting for Nasara Coordinator) and a fifth person who has not been named, have until Monday, February 17, 2014, to appeal against the decision.

The VC on Thursday concluded the vetting of 44 aspirants including six incumbent executives (seeking re-election), for a total of eight positions and released the results of the vetting Friday.

Amankwah-Sarfo said the news of his disqualification hit him like a “dream” since he has played major roles in the party over the years.

“I was informed that I did not exhibit enough knowledge of the members of council of elders during the vetting process though I met all requirements to contest the Vice Chairmanship position of our great party.

“…I have served the party in various capacities since 2008. I am a Patron of the NPP… I have also been a Polling Station Executive before. Till date I am the General Secretary of the Young Patriots and also a founding member of the Young Patriots. I am the convener of the Progressive Nationalist Forum…I have done many things to help the party’s cause,” he said.

In an interview with Peacefmonline.com moments after news of his disqualification broke out, Mr Amankwah-Sarfo vowed to appeal against the basis of his ineligibility within 48hours and hoped to be part of the contest.

“I have been advised by our Director of Elections to put in an appeal. I will appeal to the Vetting Committee to reconsider and rescind their decision to disqualify me based only on my lack of knowing the membership of the council of elders.

“There is no provision in our party’s (NPP) constitution spelling out that a member in good standing should have basic knowledge of the members of council of elders,” he added.

He however urged all his followers to remain calm and resolute despite news of his disqualification by the VC.

“Let us all adopt the core values of respect, decorum and circumspection devoid of acrimony and rancor and sentiments as we help in rebuilding the party’s structures for the 2016 elections,” he appealed.