The Regional Chairmen of the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) across the ten regions of Ghana are calling for an early Congress to elect party flagbearer ahead of the 2016 general elections.
At a press conference held on Monday, the chairmen are of the opinion that it would be in the interest of the NPP to hold an early congress instead of a long-drawn battle that will come at a great cost to the party.
NPP Chairman for the Brong Ahafo Region, Kweku Asomah-Cheremeh said the interest of the party, regarding the 2016 general elections “will be better served if a date is fixed in September for the election of a flagbearer”
Below is a copy of the full text
PRESS STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE REGIONAL CHAIRMEN OF THE NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY (NPP) ON 16TH JUNE, 2014, AT ACCRA CALLING FOR AN EARLIER DATE TO ELECT FLAGBEARER FOR 2016
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press, we have invited you here to express our opinion on the process leading to the election of a Presidential candidate for the NPP for the 2016 election. There is no gain saying that by the decision of the National Council of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), nominations for the flagbearer contest were opened on 6th June, 2014, and remain open until 7th July, 2014.
The proposed date for the primary election has been fixed tentatively for 6th December, 2014, awaiting a final decision on the same day by the National Council of the Party on 19th June, 2014.
We are of the firm conviction and belief that a long drown process leading to the election of a flagbearer on 6th December, 2014, if that date is chosen, will inflict more harm than good to the Party and subsequently cost us a great deal in our collective effort at unseating the NDC in 2016 and also to bring back smiles on the faces of the suffering Ghana. It is our considered view that the interest of the Party as regards the 2016 general elections will better be served if a date is fixed within September, 2014, for the election of a flagbearer. Our position is informed by the following factors:-
1. In 2010, the Party elected the flagbearer on 7th August, 2010, after nominations were opened on 6th June, 2010. (i.e, within two (2) months after the opening of nominations. The Party can do the same this time around. However, we propose the month of September, because of the possibility of resort to the Special Electoral College to shortlist the contestants to Five (5) as spelt out under article 12(5) (b) of the NPP constitution. Our view is that the National Council should be guided by the 2010 precedent which is impeccable.
2. Again, a date later than what we are proposing will only create ample platform for the insults, abuses, cross-fires, vilification, image destruction of aspirants to drag for a long time. We need to take a decision that will curtail the negative tendencies that are seeking to characterize the Presidential Primary even before nominations were opened on 6th June, 2014. These negative tendencies have the potential to derail the unity of purpose and the oneness that we require in our bid to wrest power from the NDC in 2016.
3. We also have to bear in mind the possibility of a run-off. We certainly cannot be within the constitutional limit by holding the primaries on December 6, with the possibility of a runoff, a possibility.
4. Additional, in December this year, the District Assembly Elections will be held and the party machinery needs to be prepared for this. We cannot, as a party, focus on two elections (flagbearership and district assembly) all at the same time. It simply is not possible.
5. We feel strongly that an earlier date (not 6th December, 2014) will help cut down on the expenditure of the aspirants and also help remove the anxieties and agonies of our teaming members, supporters, sympathizers etc. in respect of the Presidential primary/
In conclusion, we wish to call on the National Council to critically consider our proposal to fix a date in September for the flagbearer contest. The members of the Party in our regions want to see this contest over and over quickly.
“And with the growing expression of intolerance from supporters of the various aspiring candidates, why on earth will anyone want to delay the congress?
Are we doing that to ensure that we self-destruct even before the general election in 2016? Let’s get it over and done with and focus on checkmating the incompetent NDC Ghanaians are anxiously awaiting for us to kick out”
(Credit: An article written by Acka-Nyanzu Blay-Miezah, The New Statesmen, 11/6/14 pages 10.
Issued by all Regional Chairmen
1. Reg. Chairman (B.A) Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh (020816J826/
0243372418)
2. Reg. Chairman (Ash) Bernard Antwi-Bosiako (0244071818
3. Reg. Chairman (Cent) Robert Kutin (024435009)
4. Reg. Chairman (East) Kinston Akomeng ( 024436095)
5. Reg. Chairman (Gt. Acc) Hon. Ishmael Ashitey (0244367352)
6. Reg. Chairman (North) Daniel Bugri Naabu (024444006)
7. Reg. Chairman (U/E) Adams Mahama (0244311180)
8. Reg. Chairman ((U/W) Alhaji Abdul-Rahaman (0209023731)
9. Reg. Chairman (West) Diskson Atta Nketia (024308443)
10. Reg. Chairman (Volta) John Peter Amewu (0244370470- could not be reached)