Stephen Sekyere-Abankwa
The National Planning Committee of the governing New Patriotic Partyâs (NPP) has directed all aspirants contesting the upcoming National Delegates Conference to remove all billboards they have mounted on principal streets of Accra.
However, the planning committee has permitted the candidates to mount billboards and other advertising at the venue of the elections and the partyâs National Headquarters.
In a memorandum dated July 5, 2022, issued and signed by the Chairman of the National Planning Committee, Stephen Sekyere-Abankwa stated that âall candidates in the upcoming elections are directed to remove immediately, all billboards erected along the principal streets of Accra, except those at the Party headquarters and at the venue of the conference, Accra Sports Stadium.â
The NPP is scheduled to host its National Delegates Conference in Accra from July 16 to July 17, 2022.
Prior to the memorandum, the National Planning Committee, in the statement cautions all contestants and their respective supporters ânot to engage in a campaign of insults and/or name calling, but must rather conduct their campaigns with civility and decorum, as has been the trait of the NPP from time immemorial. Any display of opulence, , but not limited to, the mounting of billboards is seriously frowned upon and infringing aspirants will be punished accordingly.
âAspirants are further cautioned to refrain from bastardizing the election process and the systems that have been put in place to ensure a fair and transparent electionsâ.
Any contestant with concerns is advised to contact the National Elections Committee through the Director of Elections, Evans Nimako, with their complaint, âwhich will be acted upon expeditiously in the interest of fairness and justiceâ the statement further reads.
The Committee However warned that âany aspirant who fails to channel their grievance through this means but rather resorts to denigrating and casting aspersions at the Party or any individual involved in the process within the media space will face disciplinary action in accordance with the Partyâs Constitution as well as the Rules and Regulations governing the conduct of the upcoming electionsâ.
Over 6,000 delegates are expected to vote on Saturday 16 July 2022, to elect the NPPâs national officers for the positions of National Chairmanship, First Vice-Chair, Second Vice-Chair, Third Vice-Chair, General Secretary, National Organiser, National Youth Organiser, National Treasurer, National Womenâs Organiser and National Nasara Co-Ordinator.
By Vincent Kubi