Out of the 297 people vying for the 144 slots of non-National Democratic Congress parliamentary seats, only 27 are women.
Ghana has just19 females in the 230 House of Legislature and out of this, the NDC also has five female MPs.
The party opened nominations on August 15 and announced that female aspirants would pay only 50 per cent of the total filing fee as part of its measures to get more women into parliament. The filing of nominations closed on September 15, 2011.
Ashanti Region topped with regard to the number of women who filed their nomination to contest on the slot of the party to be parliamentary candidates.
The region produced eight female applicants out of a total of 80 applicants. Eastern had six females; Central, 4; Greater Accra, 3; Brong Ahafo, 2, Upper West, 1; Northern, 1. No woman filed to contest a parliamentary seats in Brong Ahafo and Volta regions.
Currently, the NDC has 116 seats in the 230-member Parliament. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has 107; People’s National Convention (PNC) has 2, Convention People’s Party (CPP) has only one and four members are independent.
On the regional basis, Ashanti Region recorded 80 applicants which represents the highest number of applicants, followed by Eastern, 48; Brong Ahafo, 37; Greater Accra, 37; Western, 27; Northern, 16; Upper East, 15; Upper West,13 and Volta, 2.
Weija and Nanton constituencies attracted eight hopefuls each, making them the only ones to have attracted the highest number of hopefuls.
Some of the lucky applicants who would be vying for their seats unopposed, provided they qualify after the vetting include E. K. Agyekum for Nkoranza South; Philip Awuah, Sunyani East; Eric Opoku, Asunafo South; Eric Addae, Asutifi North; Dr Oteng Adjei, Bosomtwe; Nuhu Alhassan Dicko, Atwima Nwabiagya; Alidu Baba Dabasea, Suame; De-Graft Forkuo, Asante Akim South; Kwame Adarkwa, Bosome Freho; Samuel Yaw Adusei, Bantama; Samuel Appiah Kusi, Offinso North and Alexender Ackon.
In the Eastern Region, those who would be vying for their positions unopposed are: Alhaji Sanusen, Abuakwa South; Dr Kwasi Apea-Kubi, Akim Swedru; George Opare Addo, Okere; Samuel Asamoah, Abetifi; Victor Smith, Abuakwa North.
In the Central Region, the only aspirant who might be elected unopposed is Mr Foster Joseph Andoh for the Heman Lower Denkyira, while in the Upper East, Mr Roger Abolumbisa would be elected unopposed to contest the Builsa Seat.
Friday, September 30, 2011
297 NDC aspirants vie for 114 parliamentary slots
TWO hundred and ninety-seven members of the National Democratic Congress have applied to vie for 114 parliamentary slots in country.
These are the seats that the party did not win in 2008. It will on yet-to-be-announced date open nominations for constituencies with sitting NDC Members of Parliament (MPs).
Currently, the NDC has 116 seats in the 230-member Parliament. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has 107, People’s National Convention (PNC) has two, Convention People’s Party (CPP) has only one and four members are independent.
On the regional basis, Ashanti Region recorded 80 applicants, which represents the highest number of applicants, followed by Eastern, 48; Brong Ahafo, 37; Greater Accra, 37; Western, 27; Northern, 16; Upper East, 15; Upper West,13 and Volta, 2.
Notable names on the lists of applicants include the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, who would be contesting for the Tema West slot with Ms Gladys Boateng, George Medie, James Enu and Richard Fiadomor. A former Minister of Tourism, Mrs Zita Sarbah Okaikoi, would be competing for the Dome-Kwabenya slot of the party with three other female aspirants.
The Energy Minister, Dr Joe Oteng Agyei, would be going unopposed at the Bosomtwe slot. A leading member of the erswhile Armed Forces Revolutionary council (AFRC) Osahen Boakye Djan, would battle it out with Mr Matthew Gyasi for the position as the NDC parliamentary aspirant for the Jaman South constituency.
The Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, K. Nyamekye-Marfo, would be contesting for the Sunyani West slot with two others, while a Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, Dr Hannah Louisa Bisiw, will have to compete with Mrs Bernice Azumah and Enoch Amoako-Nsiah for the Tano South position.
The Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Mark Woyongo, will battle it out with two other persons for selection as the one who would represent the party in the Navrongo Central constituency. A Deputy Minister of Education, Mahama Ayariga, and the National Coordinator for the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP), Abuga Pele, would vie for the BawkuCentral and Chiana-Paga constituency slots of the party, respectively.
In the Central Region, the Minister of Agriculture, Mr Kwesi Ahwoi, is also vying for the Agona East slot with four others. A Deputy Minister of Information, Mohamed Baba Ahmed Jamal, who represented the party in the Akwatia constituency in 2008, would contest the primaries again with Nana Kwaku Effisah.
The Head of News of eTV, Mr Gideon Ayeequaye, will also be vying for the Weija slot. The Minister for the Interior, Dr Benjamin Kunbuor, and Madam Alice Teni Boon, both former Members of Parliament for Lawra-Nanadom and Lambussie, respectively, would make a second attempt to represent the party at both constituencies.
Briefing the Daily Graphic, a Deputy General Secretary of the NDC in-charge of the primaries, Mr George Lawson, commended the various constituencies for the smooth and incident free manner in which they organised the opening and closing of the nominations.
He urged the various constituency and regional executives to ensure that they complete the vetting for the national to undertake its vetting to pave the way for the primaries to elect aspirants for the respective constituencies.
These are the seats that the party did not win in 2008. It will on yet-to-be-announced date open nominations for constituencies with sitting NDC Members of Parliament (MPs).
Currently, the NDC has 116 seats in the 230-member Parliament. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has 107, People’s National Convention (PNC) has two, Convention People’s Party (CPP) has only one and four members are independent.
On the regional basis, Ashanti Region recorded 80 applicants, which represents the highest number of applicants, followed by Eastern, 48; Brong Ahafo, 37; Greater Accra, 37; Western, 27; Northern, 16; Upper East, 15; Upper West,13 and Volta, 2.
Notable names on the lists of applicants include the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, who would be contesting for the Tema West slot with Ms Gladys Boateng, George Medie, James Enu and Richard Fiadomor. A former Minister of Tourism, Mrs Zita Sarbah Okaikoi, would be competing for the Dome-Kwabenya slot of the party with three other female aspirants.
The Energy Minister, Dr Joe Oteng Agyei, would be going unopposed at the Bosomtwe slot. A leading member of the erswhile Armed Forces Revolutionary council (AFRC) Osahen Boakye Djan, would battle it out with Mr Matthew Gyasi for the position as the NDC parliamentary aspirant for the Jaman South constituency.
The Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, K. Nyamekye-Marfo, would be contesting for the Sunyani West slot with two others, while a Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, Dr Hannah Louisa Bisiw, will have to compete with Mrs Bernice Azumah and Enoch Amoako-Nsiah for the Tano South position.
The Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Mark Woyongo, will battle it out with two other persons for selection as the one who would represent the party in the Navrongo Central constituency. A Deputy Minister of Education, Mahama Ayariga, and the National Coordinator for the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP), Abuga Pele, would vie for the BawkuCentral and Chiana-Paga constituency slots of the party, respectively.
In the Central Region, the Minister of Agriculture, Mr Kwesi Ahwoi, is also vying for the Agona East slot with four others. A Deputy Minister of Information, Mohamed Baba Ahmed Jamal, who represented the party in the Akwatia constituency in 2008, would contest the primaries again with Nana Kwaku Effisah.
The Head of News of eTV, Mr Gideon Ayeequaye, will also be vying for the Weija slot. The Minister for the Interior, Dr Benjamin Kunbuor, and Madam Alice Teni Boon, both former Members of Parliament for Lawra-Nanadom and Lambussie, respectively, would make a second attempt to represent the party at both constituencies.
Briefing the Daily Graphic, a Deputy General Secretary of the NDC in-charge of the primaries, Mr George Lawson, commended the various constituencies for the smooth and incident free manner in which they organised the opening and closing of the nominations.
He urged the various constituency and regional executives to ensure that they complete the vetting for the national to undertake its vetting to pave the way for the primaries to elect aspirants for the respective constituencies.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Samia makes history as she leads CPP
MS Samia Yaba Christina Nkrumah, the only daughter of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, cut a slice of history when she became the first-ever female leader and chairman of a political party in Ghana, after winning the chairmanship position of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) at its delegates congress in Accra on Saturday.
At the stroke of midnight on Saturday, the Electoral Commission (EC) declared Ms Nkrumah, who is also the only Member of Parliament for the party winner of the chairmanship race of the party. She won 1,191 of the votes cast to secure a resounding victory.
She beat both the incumbent Chairman, Mr Ladi Nylander, and his predecessor, Prof Edmund Delle, who had 353 and 332 votes respectively. The other female candidate for the chairmanship position, Madam Araba Bentsi-Enchill‚ had 10.
Mrs Susan Adu-Amankwah, Mrs Rosaline Ayarna and Mr Oteng Anane, were elected as the first, second and third vice chairmen respectively. Incumbent General Secretary, Mr Ivor Kobina Greenstreet, had 716 votes to retain his position. He beat his other opponents, Nii Armah Akomfrah, who had 672 votes, and Mr Ekow Duncan, who pulled 470 votes.
In the contest for the position of the National Organiser, Mr Abu Forgor, was declared the winner after he had polled 1,093 votes. The other two contestants for the position, Mr Appiah Amankwah, had 408 and the incumbent, Ms Evelyn Alamisi Anabilla, secured 347 votes. Mr Kosi Dede, who polled 853 votes, was beaten by Mr Seth Gomnah, who had 1,005 to become the new National Treasurer.
The contest for the postition of National Women Organiser was safely won by Mrs Mary Ankomah Boakye-Boateng. She had 917 against the incumbent Hajia Hamdatu Ibrahim-Haruna, who polled 637 and Madam Aisha Suley Futah who secured 313 votes. Mr Murtala Mohamed was pronounced the National Youth Organiser of the CPP when he had 802 votes. He beat Mr Francis Opai Tetteh and Mr Issifu Kadiri Abdul Rauf, who had 486 and 570 votes respectively.
Born at Aburi in the Eastern Region on June, 23 1960, Samia, who is also a freelance journalist, won the Jomoro seat for the CPP at her first attempt.
She was forced to leave Ghana with her mother and brothers Sekou and Gamal‚ after the 1966 coup which saw the overthrow of their father.They were resettled in Egypt by the Egyptian government.
She returned with her family in 1975 at the invitation of General Acheampong’s National Redemption Council government and attended the Achimota School.
She, however, left the country again when her mother decided to return to Egypt in the early 1980s. She proceeded to London, later completing her studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies of the University of London in the United Kingdom, where she obtained a degree of Bachelor in Arabic Studies in 1991. She also completed a Master’s degree at the same institution in 1993.
Throughout delivering her acceptance speech, Samia held the hands of both Mr Nylander and Prof Delle in an apparent imitation of his father’s famous Independence Day-eve speech at the Accra Polo Grounds about 53 years ago.
She said the party’s single seat won in 2008 parliamentary elections at Jomoro was meaningless unless it was linked up to the total victory of the entire CPP.
Ms Nkrumah paid glowing tribute to the elders of the party, particularly the executive who had held the fort of the party to its current state and gave the assurance that they would be included in all decisions and activities of the her administration.
She described the congress as a purely internal family affair and noted that in such circumstances, irrespective of what had gone on and because there were no winners or losers, all should close their ranks, forget about the past and forge ahead as a united political party ready to win political power.
She indicated that the new administration would execute its mandate with an all-inclusive approach and that the newly born CPP would not need the endorsement of any political party, particularly the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to be successful.
Samia, who devoted her historical triumph to all Ghanaian women, said “today we have given birth to a new independent-minded Convention People’s Party”.
She reminded members of the party that the struggle for victory, which will start with the reorganisation and re-energising of every structure of the party, would not be in vain and urged the members of the party to gird their loins in readiness for the task ahead but expressed optimism that success would be theirs with a crop of new generation of leaders at the helm of affairs.
She said the youth of the party and in Ghana in general would be the focus of the programmes of the CPP under her leadership.
Samia, whose campaign message centred on a strong independence of the CPP, which will be administered strictly by the principles of accountability and transparency at all levels of the party, said if the party wanted to win the hearts and votes of Ghanaians, it must start implementing such precept to convince the electorate.
She gave the assurance that the organisation of the party would revolve mainly around people and structures at the polling station and constituency levels initially before focussing on regional and the national levels.
She commended the delegates for honouring and recognising Dr Nkrumah, her father, and pledged that the party’s next congresses would be organised in such a manner that would bring a lot of comfort to the delegates.
In what could be described as one of the most peaceful and incident-free congresses of the party, all the contestants, irrespective of their differences, never exhibited an inkling of animosity from the outset till the Electoral Commission declared the results.
That was contrary to media hype about the intense nature of the contest and threats of court injunctions to stop the congress which had been postponed about seven times. Even the original Takoradi Polytechnic venue had to be changed to the Accra Trade Fair Centre.
Amid hugs and pecks on each other’s cheeks, Mr Nylander conceded defeat and pledged his support, adding that the voice of the people was the voice of God and that once the delegates, who are the highest decision making body of the party, had spoken, he would respect their verdict.
To ensure that voting went smoothly and avoidance of time wasting , the 50-member EC team led by Mr Safo Kanatanka, Deputy Chairman, and Mr Kofi Arhin, Director of Election, paired the regions for voting purposes, which went on smoothly without any hitch.
However, in their quest to ensure strict adherence to electoral rules and regulations and maintain free, fair and transparent elections, the EC had to properly collect, collate, tabulate and ensure that the agents of all the aspirants signed the results forms, a process which delayed the announcement of the results.
The short delay did not go down well with some of the delegates, who intermittently blew their vuvuzela to register their protest.
At the stroke of midnight on Saturday, the Electoral Commission (EC) declared Ms Nkrumah, who is also the only Member of Parliament for the party winner of the chairmanship race of the party. She won 1,191 of the votes cast to secure a resounding victory.
She beat both the incumbent Chairman, Mr Ladi Nylander, and his predecessor, Prof Edmund Delle, who had 353 and 332 votes respectively. The other female candidate for the chairmanship position, Madam Araba Bentsi-Enchill‚ had 10.
Mrs Susan Adu-Amankwah, Mrs Rosaline Ayarna and Mr Oteng Anane, were elected as the first, second and third vice chairmen respectively. Incumbent General Secretary, Mr Ivor Kobina Greenstreet, had 716 votes to retain his position. He beat his other opponents, Nii Armah Akomfrah, who had 672 votes, and Mr Ekow Duncan, who pulled 470 votes.
In the contest for the position of the National Organiser, Mr Abu Forgor, was declared the winner after he had polled 1,093 votes. The other two contestants for the position, Mr Appiah Amankwah, had 408 and the incumbent, Ms Evelyn Alamisi Anabilla, secured 347 votes. Mr Kosi Dede, who polled 853 votes, was beaten by Mr Seth Gomnah, who had 1,005 to become the new National Treasurer.
The contest for the postition of National Women Organiser was safely won by Mrs Mary Ankomah Boakye-Boateng. She had 917 against the incumbent Hajia Hamdatu Ibrahim-Haruna, who polled 637 and Madam Aisha Suley Futah who secured 313 votes. Mr Murtala Mohamed was pronounced the National Youth Organiser of the CPP when he had 802 votes. He beat Mr Francis Opai Tetteh and Mr Issifu Kadiri Abdul Rauf, who had 486 and 570 votes respectively.
Born at Aburi in the Eastern Region on June, 23 1960, Samia, who is also a freelance journalist, won the Jomoro seat for the CPP at her first attempt.
She was forced to leave Ghana with her mother and brothers Sekou and Gamal‚ after the 1966 coup which saw the overthrow of their father.They were resettled in Egypt by the Egyptian government.
She returned with her family in 1975 at the invitation of General Acheampong’s National Redemption Council government and attended the Achimota School.
She, however, left the country again when her mother decided to return to Egypt in the early 1980s. She proceeded to London, later completing her studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies of the University of London in the United Kingdom, where she obtained a degree of Bachelor in Arabic Studies in 1991. She also completed a Master’s degree at the same institution in 1993.
Throughout delivering her acceptance speech, Samia held the hands of both Mr Nylander and Prof Delle in an apparent imitation of his father’s famous Independence Day-eve speech at the Accra Polo Grounds about 53 years ago.
She said the party’s single seat won in 2008 parliamentary elections at Jomoro was meaningless unless it was linked up to the total victory of the entire CPP.
Ms Nkrumah paid glowing tribute to the elders of the party, particularly the executive who had held the fort of the party to its current state and gave the assurance that they would be included in all decisions and activities of the her administration.
She described the congress as a purely internal family affair and noted that in such circumstances, irrespective of what had gone on and because there were no winners or losers, all should close their ranks, forget about the past and forge ahead as a united political party ready to win political power.
She indicated that the new administration would execute its mandate with an all-inclusive approach and that the newly born CPP would not need the endorsement of any political party, particularly the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to be successful.
Samia, who devoted her historical triumph to all Ghanaian women, said “today we have given birth to a new independent-minded Convention People’s Party”.
She reminded members of the party that the struggle for victory, which will start with the reorganisation and re-energising of every structure of the party, would not be in vain and urged the members of the party to gird their loins in readiness for the task ahead but expressed optimism that success would be theirs with a crop of new generation of leaders at the helm of affairs.
She said the youth of the party and in Ghana in general would be the focus of the programmes of the CPP under her leadership.
Samia, whose campaign message centred on a strong independence of the CPP, which will be administered strictly by the principles of accountability and transparency at all levels of the party, said if the party wanted to win the hearts and votes of Ghanaians, it must start implementing such precept to convince the electorate.
She gave the assurance that the organisation of the party would revolve mainly around people and structures at the polling station and constituency levels initially before focussing on regional and the national levels.
She commended the delegates for honouring and recognising Dr Nkrumah, her father, and pledged that the party’s next congresses would be organised in such a manner that would bring a lot of comfort to the delegates.
In what could be described as one of the most peaceful and incident-free congresses of the party, all the contestants, irrespective of their differences, never exhibited an inkling of animosity from the outset till the Electoral Commission declared the results.
That was contrary to media hype about the intense nature of the contest and threats of court injunctions to stop the congress which had been postponed about seven times. Even the original Takoradi Polytechnic venue had to be changed to the Accra Trade Fair Centre.
Amid hugs and pecks on each other’s cheeks, Mr Nylander conceded defeat and pledged his support, adding that the voice of the people was the voice of God and that once the delegates, who are the highest decision making body of the party, had spoken, he would respect their verdict.
To ensure that voting went smoothly and avoidance of time wasting , the 50-member EC team led by Mr Safo Kanatanka, Deputy Chairman, and Mr Kofi Arhin, Director of Election, paired the regions for voting purposes, which went on smoothly without any hitch.
However, in their quest to ensure strict adherence to electoral rules and regulations and maintain free, fair and transparent elections, the EC had to properly collect, collate, tabulate and ensure that the agents of all the aspirants signed the results forms, a process which delayed the announcement of the results.
The short delay did not go down well with some of the delegates, who intermittently blew their vuvuzela to register their protest.
Speak against electoral abuses ---Palmer-Buckle
THE church, in its prophetic mission, has to speak out against electoral abuses and all forms of malpractices in the conduct of elections, the Treasurer of the Symposium of Episcopal Conference of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), Most Rev Gabriel Charles Palmer-Buckle, has advised.
He said the Church had over the years been the voice for the voiceless and “therefore, cannot afford to shirk this grave responsibility. We have to speak out and defend what is right and just, even at the risk of our very lives as church leaders in Africa.”
Rev Pamler-Buckle, who made the call at the opening of the SECAM and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) workshop on the promotion of peaceful elections in Africa in Accra yesterday, noted that democratic elections represented the mark of legitimacy for the exercise of power in Africa.
He added that there was an urgent need for the churches to increase their engagement in the promotion of civic education among the faithful so that they could live out their civic responsibilities in a more informed manner.
He added that the Catholic Church in Africa had committed themselves to encourage “competent and honest citizens to participate in party politics” and called on “all Christians to take part in political life”.
In his welcome address, Most Rev Paul Bemile, the Episcopal Chairman for Governance, Justice and Peace of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference noted that the workshop had come at an opportune time because between this year and next year, 22 countries in Africa would be holding either parliamentary and or presidential elections.
He said from these statistics, it was heartwarming that even though Africa was not entirely a haven of peace, it was gradually moving away from the coups d’etat and the instability that marked its governments, adding that this was not without violence and acrimony.
He added that Bishops in Africa had therefore called on African leaders to conscientiously exercise stewardship and uphold the common good over the interest of family, clan, ethnic group or political party and to protect and promote the social, economic, political and religious rights of every citizens.
He said the Church had over the years been the voice for the voiceless and “therefore, cannot afford to shirk this grave responsibility. We have to speak out and defend what is right and just, even at the risk of our very lives as church leaders in Africa.”
Rev Pamler-Buckle, who made the call at the opening of the SECAM and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) workshop on the promotion of peaceful elections in Africa in Accra yesterday, noted that democratic elections represented the mark of legitimacy for the exercise of power in Africa.
He added that there was an urgent need for the churches to increase their engagement in the promotion of civic education among the faithful so that they could live out their civic responsibilities in a more informed manner.
He added that the Catholic Church in Africa had committed themselves to encourage “competent and honest citizens to participate in party politics” and called on “all Christians to take part in political life”.
In his welcome address, Most Rev Paul Bemile, the Episcopal Chairman for Governance, Justice and Peace of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference noted that the workshop had come at an opportune time because between this year and next year, 22 countries in Africa would be holding either parliamentary and or presidential elections.
He said from these statistics, it was heartwarming that even though Africa was not entirely a haven of peace, it was gradually moving away from the coups d’etat and the instability that marked its governments, adding that this was not without violence and acrimony.
He added that Bishops in Africa had therefore called on African leaders to conscientiously exercise stewardship and uphold the common good over the interest of family, clan, ethnic group or political party and to protect and promote the social, economic, political and religious rights of every citizens.
Political Parties Flout Electoral Laws
Thirteen out of the 14 registered political parties in the country have flouted with impunity the political parties law that requires them to periodically submit their audited accounts to the Electoral Commission (EC).
Only the Democratic People’s Party (DPP) has religiously been submitting its audited accounts since 1992, a feat which the main political parties, especially the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), have not been able to match.
Under Article 14 of the Political Parties Law, which deals with the declaration of assets, liabilities and expenditure in relation to elections, punishment for the violation of the law is the cancellation of the registration of the defaulting political party.
A recent report requested from the EC by the Daily Graphic indicated that the NDC and the People’s National Convention (PNC) had not submitted their audited accounts for 2010, while the NPP and the Convention People’s Party (CPP) had defaulted since 2007.
The Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) submitted accounts only for 2002, 2003 and 2004.
For the remaining eight political parties, two — the Reformed Patriotic Democrats (RPD) and the New Vision Party (NVP) — submitted their accounts for only 2008.
The Democratic Freedom Party (DFP), the National Reform Party (NRP), the Ghana National Party (GNP), the United Renaissance Party (URP), the Eagle Party and the United Love Party (ULP) have never submitted a single audited accounts to the EC as required by law since they were established.
Article 14 (2) of the Political Parties Law, Act 574 (2000), (part one of which talks about the funding and registration of political parties) says that, “A political party shall, within six months after a general or bye-election in which it has participated, submit to the commission a detailed statement in such form as the commission may direct of all expenditure incurred for that election
“(3) A statement required to be submitted under this section shall be supported by a statutory declaration made by the general or national secretary of the political party and the national treasurer of that party.
(4) Without prejudice to any other penalty provided in this act or any other enactment, where a political party (a) refuses or neglects to comply with this section; or (b) submits a statement which is false in any material particular, the commission may cancel the registration of the political party.”
When reached for their comments, representatives of the NDC, the CPP and the PNC confirmed the story and said their auditors were working on them and that they would be submitted very soon.
Explaining further, the Communications Director of the NDC, Mr James Asante, told the Daily Graphic that the party’s auditors had completed their work and it would be submitted to the EC soon, while the General Secretary of the NPP, Mr Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie, who was in the Northern Region, said he was aware that the party had been submitting its accounts over the years but added that if there was any such anomaly, the party would not hesitate in correcting it.
The General secretaries of the PNC and the CPP, Messrs Bernard Mornah and Ivor Kobina Greenstreet, respectively, gave the assurance that their auditors were putting finishing touches to the accounts and that they would be submitted to the EC in the shortest possible time.
Only the Democratic People’s Party (DPP) has religiously been submitting its audited accounts since 1992, a feat which the main political parties, especially the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), have not been able to match.
Under Article 14 of the Political Parties Law, which deals with the declaration of assets, liabilities and expenditure in relation to elections, punishment for the violation of the law is the cancellation of the registration of the defaulting political party.
A recent report requested from the EC by the Daily Graphic indicated that the NDC and the People’s National Convention (PNC) had not submitted their audited accounts for 2010, while the NPP and the Convention People’s Party (CPP) had defaulted since 2007.
The Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) submitted accounts only for 2002, 2003 and 2004.
For the remaining eight political parties, two — the Reformed Patriotic Democrats (RPD) and the New Vision Party (NVP) — submitted their accounts for only 2008.
The Democratic Freedom Party (DFP), the National Reform Party (NRP), the Ghana National Party (GNP), the United Renaissance Party (URP), the Eagle Party and the United Love Party (ULP) have never submitted a single audited accounts to the EC as required by law since they were established.
Article 14 (2) of the Political Parties Law, Act 574 (2000), (part one of which talks about the funding and registration of political parties) says that, “A political party shall, within six months after a general or bye-election in which it has participated, submit to the commission a detailed statement in such form as the commission may direct of all expenditure incurred for that election
“(3) A statement required to be submitted under this section shall be supported by a statutory declaration made by the general or national secretary of the political party and the national treasurer of that party.
(4) Without prejudice to any other penalty provided in this act or any other enactment, where a political party (a) refuses or neglects to comply with this section; or (b) submits a statement which is false in any material particular, the commission may cancel the registration of the political party.”
When reached for their comments, representatives of the NDC, the CPP and the PNC confirmed the story and said their auditors were working on them and that they would be submitted very soon.
Explaining further, the Communications Director of the NDC, Mr James Asante, told the Daily Graphic that the party’s auditors had completed their work and it would be submitted to the EC soon, while the General Secretary of the NPP, Mr Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie, who was in the Northern Region, said he was aware that the party had been submitting its accounts over the years but added that if there was any such anomaly, the party would not hesitate in correcting it.
The General secretaries of the PNC and the CPP, Messrs Bernard Mornah and Ivor Kobina Greenstreet, respectively, gave the assurance that their auditors were putting finishing touches to the accounts and that they would be submitted to the EC in the shortest possible time.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Christians urged to be vigilant
THE Head of the Odorkor Area branch of the Church of Pentecost, Prophet James Osei-Amaniampong, has urged Christians to constantly read the Bible and seek knowledge on the right doctrines so that they will not be taken for granted by people who want to enrich themselves in the name of God.
According to him, when lay persons in the church critically availed themselves of the word of God, they would be able to serve God better and truthfully and would also not be swayed by people using the name of God for other purposes.
Prophet Osei-Amaniampong was speaking to the Daily Graphic after a one-week training workshop for lay persons in the church in Accra.
The workshop was to refresh the non-pastoral leaders of the church on the word of God and also empower them to be able to win more souls for Christ.
Some of the topics treated were discipleship, church finances and homiletics.
There was a plenary session which captured the church’s practices targeted at equipping the leaders of the ministry.
He explained that the leadership training was aimed at supporting the church’s vision to produce more dedicated and pragmatic lay leaders who would be diligent workmen of God and would not be ashamed of telling the truth about Christ.
He said those claiming to be men of God were undertaking activities for their personal benefit and using their canal knowledge to sway people from the actual word of God to purely miracles, signs and wonders.
He noted that with the current knowledge-based world and the advent of the Internet, Christians could also take advantage of the varied information on Christianity and other beneficial materials to enrich their stock of knowledge and also assist others in appreciating the goodness of the Almighty.
He also said that not all members could read and acquire knowledge for academic purposes such as Master’s and doctorate degrees, so they must constantly upgrade their knowledge to expand their knowledge about the word of God because the Bible states that some people would perish because they lacked knowledge.
He appealed to Christians to constantly pray for the peace and stability of the country and abide by the tenets of the Holy Bible and added that God would answer them if they prayed to him.
According to him, when lay persons in the church critically availed themselves of the word of God, they would be able to serve God better and truthfully and would also not be swayed by people using the name of God for other purposes.
Prophet Osei-Amaniampong was speaking to the Daily Graphic after a one-week training workshop for lay persons in the church in Accra.
The workshop was to refresh the non-pastoral leaders of the church on the word of God and also empower them to be able to win more souls for Christ.
Some of the topics treated were discipleship, church finances and homiletics.
There was a plenary session which captured the church’s practices targeted at equipping the leaders of the ministry.
He explained that the leadership training was aimed at supporting the church’s vision to produce more dedicated and pragmatic lay leaders who would be diligent workmen of God and would not be ashamed of telling the truth about Christ.
He said those claiming to be men of God were undertaking activities for their personal benefit and using their canal knowledge to sway people from the actual word of God to purely miracles, signs and wonders.
He noted that with the current knowledge-based world and the advent of the Internet, Christians could also take advantage of the varied information on Christianity and other beneficial materials to enrich their stock of knowledge and also assist others in appreciating the goodness of the Almighty.
He also said that not all members could read and acquire knowledge for academic purposes such as Master’s and doctorate degrees, so they must constantly upgrade their knowledge to expand their knowledge about the word of God because the Bible states that some people would perish because they lacked knowledge.
He appealed to Christians to constantly pray for the peace and stability of the country and abide by the tenets of the Holy Bible and added that God would answer them if they prayed to him.
Technical, Vocational training to take centre statge -To address challenges facing education
The Mills administration has instituted measures to ensure that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) takes centre stage in ameliorating the current difficulties facing the education sector.
As part of the measures to address the challenges, the government is reviewing the TVET policy to ensure that interest in technical and vocational training is whipped up in pupils at the primary school level to the highest level, provide opportunities for students pursuing TVET to rise to the highest educational level and also change the prejudice people have about technical and vocational training.
A Deputy Minister of Education, Mr Mahama Ayariga disclosed these when he addressed stakeholders of TVET at the presentation of a research report on vocational and technical training in Ghana.
Mr Ayariga noted that out of the about 3.8 million pupils who start primary school in the country every year, only 200,000 gain admission to the various public and private tertiary institutions.
The research was commissioned by the City and Guilds Centre for Skills Development, United Kingdom (UK), in collaboration with the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (COTVET-Ghana). It was conducted bythe Centre for Policy Studies of the University of Ghana, Legon.
He said the shortfall in the provision of training for the remaining youth was a major socio-economic crisis in the making which could explode in the future.
Mr Ayariga noted that Ghana had 18,599 primary schools, while 10,768 junior high schools provided enrolment for 1.3 million students, and there were 129 public technical and vocational training schools while the private technical and vocational institutions were 151, with both public and private ones providing enrolment for only 64,155 students.
The deputy minister said the private and public institutions, which put together, provided technical and vocational training, had only 1,695 classrooms, which were woefully inadequate, not to talk of the not-up-to-date laboratories and workshops.
Mr Ayariga observed that the government had started to overhaul the TVET, particularly looking at the policy option that would expand the base of the TVET to erase the wrong impression that the TVET was for the ‘not too brilliant’ students and drop outs.
With the new system, particularly with academic progression, a mechanic from the Agblogloshie market could walk into any of the assessment centers to be established and be guided to progress in his field of endeavour to the level of masters degree and above because as the country took steps to attain a high middle income status, the TVET held the key in realising such vision.
He expressed worry that currently, Chinese and Togolese artisans were in the country doing jobs that Ghanaians could have undertaken, and added that the government was determined to reverse this trend and ensure that more Ghanaians were given training in this field and also possibly export Ghanaian technicians and artisans to other countries.
Mr Ayariga noted that if Ghanaian experts were in high demand in other countries to the extent that those at the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) were leaving in droves, the same could be done for artisans as part of the measures to reduce the unemployment rate and earn more foreign exchange.
In his presentation on the status of the TVET in Ghana, the Director of COTVET, Mr D. Baffuor-Awuah, called for career guidance and counselling to ensure that students selected TVET and realised that there was potential in rising to the highest level.
As part of the measures to address the challenges, the government is reviewing the TVET policy to ensure that interest in technical and vocational training is whipped up in pupils at the primary school level to the highest level, provide opportunities for students pursuing TVET to rise to the highest educational level and also change the prejudice people have about technical and vocational training.
A Deputy Minister of Education, Mr Mahama Ayariga disclosed these when he addressed stakeholders of TVET at the presentation of a research report on vocational and technical training in Ghana.
Mr Ayariga noted that out of the about 3.8 million pupils who start primary school in the country every year, only 200,000 gain admission to the various public and private tertiary institutions.
The research was commissioned by the City and Guilds Centre for Skills Development, United Kingdom (UK), in collaboration with the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (COTVET-Ghana). It was conducted bythe Centre for Policy Studies of the University of Ghana, Legon.
He said the shortfall in the provision of training for the remaining youth was a major socio-economic crisis in the making which could explode in the future.
Mr Ayariga noted that Ghana had 18,599 primary schools, while 10,768 junior high schools provided enrolment for 1.3 million students, and there were 129 public technical and vocational training schools while the private technical and vocational institutions were 151, with both public and private ones providing enrolment for only 64,155 students.
The deputy minister said the private and public institutions, which put together, provided technical and vocational training, had only 1,695 classrooms, which were woefully inadequate, not to talk of the not-up-to-date laboratories and workshops.
Mr Ayariga observed that the government had started to overhaul the TVET, particularly looking at the policy option that would expand the base of the TVET to erase the wrong impression that the TVET was for the ‘not too brilliant’ students and drop outs.
With the new system, particularly with academic progression, a mechanic from the Agblogloshie market could walk into any of the assessment centers to be established and be guided to progress in his field of endeavour to the level of masters degree and above because as the country took steps to attain a high middle income status, the TVET held the key in realising such vision.
He expressed worry that currently, Chinese and Togolese artisans were in the country doing jobs that Ghanaians could have undertaken, and added that the government was determined to reverse this trend and ensure that more Ghanaians were given training in this field and also possibly export Ghanaian technicians and artisans to other countries.
Mr Ayariga noted that if Ghanaian experts were in high demand in other countries to the extent that those at the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) were leaving in droves, the same could be done for artisans as part of the measures to reduce the unemployment rate and earn more foreign exchange.
In his presentation on the status of the TVET in Ghana, the Director of COTVET, Mr D. Baffuor-Awuah, called for career guidance and counselling to ensure that students selected TVET and realised that there was potential in rising to the highest level.
Consider supreme interest of CPP - Dr Osafo
Delegates to Saturday’s congress of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) must consider the supreme interest of the party and elect leaders who will not pursue their parochial interest but lead the way in reorganizing the party into a formidable force that can win political power, Dr Kweku Osafo, one of the aspiring presidential hopefuls of the party prior to the 2008 elections, has advised.
He said the CPP still enjoyed enormous goodwill among Ghanaians and that with selfless, dedicated and hardworking leaders at the forefront of its affairs, it would be able to turn that goodwill into votes and assume the reins of power to execute the unfinished agenda of Dr Nkrumah.
Dr Osafo, who gave the advice in an interview, noted that the party could bounce back to its former glory as the strongest political force not only in Ghana but also in Africa provided both the leadership and the members, especially the delegates to the congress at the Trade Fair Centre in Accra, considered the paramount interest of the party in all their decisions.
He noted that it was critical for the members of the party to bear in mind that the organisation of the party to become more attractive was the responsibility of every stakeholder and not the preserve of those who would be elected as leaders.
He described as dangerous the situation where some few individuals were given the opportunity to bankroll the party, which gave them the opportunity to behave as owners of the party, and urged the members of the CPP to contribute their quota towards nursing the CPP dream.
Dr Osafo, who is an international economist, said another weakness of the party was the tendency to always remain dormant, only to bounce back towards major elections, adding that that did not augur well for the party.
He said the leadership of the party must ensure that the structures of the partyremained vibrant and active at all times, embark on constant membership drive so that during elections both the presidential and the parliamentary candidates of the party would emerge victorious.
He noted that with committed leaders at the helm of affairs of the party, the CPP would be able to bring to fruition the vision of the Founder of the nation, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, which included self-determination, social justice and pan-Africanism.
These, he said, held the key to the advancement and the accelerated development of the country and Africa through industrialization, as well as putting Ghanaians at the commanding heights of the economy.
Dr Osafo said one of the reasons the party fared badly in recent elections was the way, before congresses, various leaders, particularly presidential hopefuls and chairmen, formed support groups made up of others vying for positions such as chairman, general secretary, youth organiser, women’s organiser, among others.
He said the danger had always been that when such leaders won their positions and their supporters could not, then it became difficult for the leader who had won his position to work closely with those who had won other positions but were not in the camp of the chairman or the presidential candidate.
He appealed the to the delegates and the aspirants to make such an unhealthy political strategy a thing of the past and ensure that the CPP moved forward.
He said the CPP still enjoyed enormous goodwill among Ghanaians and that with selfless, dedicated and hardworking leaders at the forefront of its affairs, it would be able to turn that goodwill into votes and assume the reins of power to execute the unfinished agenda of Dr Nkrumah.
Dr Osafo, who gave the advice in an interview, noted that the party could bounce back to its former glory as the strongest political force not only in Ghana but also in Africa provided both the leadership and the members, especially the delegates to the congress at the Trade Fair Centre in Accra, considered the paramount interest of the party in all their decisions.
He noted that it was critical for the members of the party to bear in mind that the organisation of the party to become more attractive was the responsibility of every stakeholder and not the preserve of those who would be elected as leaders.
He described as dangerous the situation where some few individuals were given the opportunity to bankroll the party, which gave them the opportunity to behave as owners of the party, and urged the members of the CPP to contribute their quota towards nursing the CPP dream.
Dr Osafo, who is an international economist, said another weakness of the party was the tendency to always remain dormant, only to bounce back towards major elections, adding that that did not augur well for the party.
He said the leadership of the party must ensure that the structures of the partyremained vibrant and active at all times, embark on constant membership drive so that during elections both the presidential and the parliamentary candidates of the party would emerge victorious.
He noted that with committed leaders at the helm of affairs of the party, the CPP would be able to bring to fruition the vision of the Founder of the nation, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, which included self-determination, social justice and pan-Africanism.
These, he said, held the key to the advancement and the accelerated development of the country and Africa through industrialization, as well as putting Ghanaians at the commanding heights of the economy.
Dr Osafo said one of the reasons the party fared badly in recent elections was the way, before congresses, various leaders, particularly presidential hopefuls and chairmen, formed support groups made up of others vying for positions such as chairman, general secretary, youth organiser, women’s organiser, among others.
He said the danger had always been that when such leaders won their positions and their supporters could not, then it became difficult for the leader who had won his position to work closely with those who had won other positions but were not in the camp of the chairman or the presidential candidate.
He appealed the to the delegates and the aspirants to make such an unhealthy political strategy a thing of the past and ensure that the CPP moved forward.
Consider supreme interest of CPP - Dr Osafo
Delegates to Saturday’s congress of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) must consider the supreme interest of the party and elect leaders who will not pursue their parochial interest but lead the way in reorganizing the party into a formidable force that can win political power, Dr Kweku Osafo, one of the aspiring presidential hopefuls of the party prior to the 2008 elections, has advised.
He said the CPP still enjoyed enormous goodwill among Ghanaians and that with selfless, dedicated and hardworking leaders at the forefront of its affairs, it would be able to turn that goodwill into votes and assume the reins of power to execute the unfinished agenda of Dr Nkrumah.
Dr Osafo, who gave the advice in an interview, noted that the party could bounce back to its former glory as the strongest political force not only in Ghana but also in Africa provided both the leadership and the members, especially the delegates to the congress at the Trade Fair Centre in Accra, considered the paramount interest of the party in all their decisions.
He noted that it was critical for the members of the party to bear in mind that the organisation of the party to become more attractive was the responsibility of every stakeholder and not the preserve of those who would be elected as leaders.
He described as dangerous the situation where some few individuals were given the opportunity to bankroll the party, which gave them the opportunity to behave as owners of the party, and urged the members of the CPP to contribute their quota towards nursing the CPP dream.
Dr Osafo, who is an international economist, said another weakness of the party was the tendency to always remain dormant, only to bounce back towards major elections, adding that that did not augur well for the party.
He said the leadership of the party must ensure that the structures of the partyremained vibrant and active at all times, embark on constant membership drive so that during elections both the presidential and the parliamentary candidates of the party would emerge victorious.
He noted that with committed leaders at the helm of affairs of the party, the CPP would be able to bring to fruition the vision of the Founder of the nation, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, which included self-determination, social justice and pan-Africanism.
These, he said, held the key to the advancement and the accelerated development of the country and Africa through industrialization, as well as putting Ghanaians at the commanding heights of the economy.
Dr Osafo said one of the reasons the party fared badly in recent elections was the way, before congresses, various leaders, particularly presidential hopefuls and chairmen, formed support groups made up of others vying for positions such as chairman, general secretary, youth organiser, women’s organiser, among others.
He said the danger had always been that when such leaders won their positions and their supporters could not, then it became difficult for the leader who had won his position to work closely with those who had won other positions but were not in the camp of the chairman or the presidential candidate.
He appealed the to the delegates and the aspirants to make such an unhealthy political strategy a thing of the past and ensure that the CPP moved forward.
He said the CPP still enjoyed enormous goodwill among Ghanaians and that with selfless, dedicated and hardworking leaders at the forefront of its affairs, it would be able to turn that goodwill into votes and assume the reins of power to execute the unfinished agenda of Dr Nkrumah.
Dr Osafo, who gave the advice in an interview, noted that the party could bounce back to its former glory as the strongest political force not only in Ghana but also in Africa provided both the leadership and the members, especially the delegates to the congress at the Trade Fair Centre in Accra, considered the paramount interest of the party in all their decisions.
He noted that it was critical for the members of the party to bear in mind that the organisation of the party to become more attractive was the responsibility of every stakeholder and not the preserve of those who would be elected as leaders.
He described as dangerous the situation where some few individuals were given the opportunity to bankroll the party, which gave them the opportunity to behave as owners of the party, and urged the members of the CPP to contribute their quota towards nursing the CPP dream.
Dr Osafo, who is an international economist, said another weakness of the party was the tendency to always remain dormant, only to bounce back towards major elections, adding that that did not augur well for the party.
He said the leadership of the party must ensure that the structures of the partyremained vibrant and active at all times, embark on constant membership drive so that during elections both the presidential and the parliamentary candidates of the party would emerge victorious.
He noted that with committed leaders at the helm of affairs of the party, the CPP would be able to bring to fruition the vision of the Founder of the nation, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, which included self-determination, social justice and pan-Africanism.
These, he said, held the key to the advancement and the accelerated development of the country and Africa through industrialization, as well as putting Ghanaians at the commanding heights of the economy.
Dr Osafo said one of the reasons the party fared badly in recent elections was the way, before congresses, various leaders, particularly presidential hopefuls and chairmen, formed support groups made up of others vying for positions such as chairman, general secretary, youth organiser, women’s organiser, among others.
He said the danger had always been that when such leaders won their positions and their supporters could not, then it became difficult for the leader who had won his position to work closely with those who had won other positions but were not in the camp of the chairman or the presidential candidate.
He appealed the to the delegates and the aspirants to make such an unhealthy political strategy a thing of the past and ensure that the CPP moved forward.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Procurement process for biometric register: Parties Divided
THE Electoral Commission (EC) and two political parties were yesterday sharply divided over the procurement process and selection of a vendor for the supply of equipment for the intended biometric voters registration.
While the representatives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and People’s National Convention (PNC) took issue with legality of the procurement process, the EC maintained that the process for selection of a supplier was within the ambit of the law.
However, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was of the view that its representative was invited to observe a demonstration exercise by companies shorted-listed for the biometric voters registration and not to make comments, contributions and arguments.
It all began when the EC extended invitation to the political parties to observe demonstration by companies short listed for the biometric voters registration, note down points of concern and make observation for discussion at the next Inter Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) forum.
Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh and Mr Bernard Mornah, representatives of the NPP and PNC respectively, who arrived at the demonstration grounds at the EC offices in Accra when the process had already begun, were requested to sign a code that they would not talk, question or make comment but only observe and make notes, a situation they described as an affront to their constitutional rights to seek information.
Before the demonstration could end, the two representatives challenged the legality of the entire process because, according to them, the EC had informed them that one of the companies which was disqualified had taken the issue to the Public Procurement Authority which had also ordered EC to stop the procurement process until the apparent irregularities were resolved.
However, Mr David Adenze Kangah, Deputy EC Chairman, said the EC was going on with the process despite the intervention of the Public Procurement Authority because under the Procurement Law, organisations like the EC could proceed with such process if the process was of major national importance and time bound.
Apparently not satisfied with the arguments of the EC, the representatives of the NPP and PNC staged a walkout but Mr Hamid Girdo, the Electoral Advisor on Electoral Issues for the NDC and representatives from the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) and the EGLE stayed throughout the observation period because that was what the letter inviting them stated.
Mr Girdo said he and his colleagues from the DFP and the EGLE stayed because they were made aware that only two companies which were shortlisted were making the demonstration after which the one that met the requirement would be selected.
Therefore, he said, there was no need to make comment at such a gathering and that they were aware that they would have the opportunity at an IPAC forum to express their views, concerns and make comments.
Explaining to the Daily Graphic, Mr David Adenze Kangah noted that the political parties were never invited to any meeting but to only observe the demonstration by companies shortlisted and note down points of concern, contributions and other observations for discussion in the next Inter Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) forum.
Expatiating further, Mr Mornah said after turning a deaf ear to the persistent calls for an urgent IPAC forum on the intended biometric registration from both the PNC and the NPP, the EC on Monday wrote to the parties to participate in the observations of the process the following day.
He said to their surprise, when they got to the EC premises they were asked to sign a code that they would not talk, question or make any comment but only observe and make notes, a situation he described as an affront to his constitutional right to seek information.
He said although the political parties were not part of and would not be interested in participating in the procurement process, as major stakeholders in the electoral process they had to ensure that there was proper improvement in the biometric process.
Dr Opoku-Prempeh explained on an Accra radio station that while the political parties would not want to be part of the procurement processes by the EC, their views must be heard in the selection and undertaking of the biometric registration process.
“I would rather walk out and go and tell my party that the EC is taking this country down a path that may not be well for us,” he said.
While the representatives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and People’s National Convention (PNC) took issue with legality of the procurement process, the EC maintained that the process for selection of a supplier was within the ambit of the law.
However, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was of the view that its representative was invited to observe a demonstration exercise by companies shorted-listed for the biometric voters registration and not to make comments, contributions and arguments.
It all began when the EC extended invitation to the political parties to observe demonstration by companies short listed for the biometric voters registration, note down points of concern and make observation for discussion at the next Inter Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) forum.
Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh and Mr Bernard Mornah, representatives of the NPP and PNC respectively, who arrived at the demonstration grounds at the EC offices in Accra when the process had already begun, were requested to sign a code that they would not talk, question or make comment but only observe and make notes, a situation they described as an affront to their constitutional rights to seek information.
Before the demonstration could end, the two representatives challenged the legality of the entire process because, according to them, the EC had informed them that one of the companies which was disqualified had taken the issue to the Public Procurement Authority which had also ordered EC to stop the procurement process until the apparent irregularities were resolved.
However, Mr David Adenze Kangah, Deputy EC Chairman, said the EC was going on with the process despite the intervention of the Public Procurement Authority because under the Procurement Law, organisations like the EC could proceed with such process if the process was of major national importance and time bound.
Apparently not satisfied with the arguments of the EC, the representatives of the NPP and PNC staged a walkout but Mr Hamid Girdo, the Electoral Advisor on Electoral Issues for the NDC and representatives from the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) and the EGLE stayed throughout the observation period because that was what the letter inviting them stated.
Mr Girdo said he and his colleagues from the DFP and the EGLE stayed because they were made aware that only two companies which were shortlisted were making the demonstration after which the one that met the requirement would be selected.
Therefore, he said, there was no need to make comment at such a gathering and that they were aware that they would have the opportunity at an IPAC forum to express their views, concerns and make comments.
Explaining to the Daily Graphic, Mr David Adenze Kangah noted that the political parties were never invited to any meeting but to only observe the demonstration by companies shortlisted and note down points of concern, contributions and other observations for discussion in the next Inter Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) forum.
Expatiating further, Mr Mornah said after turning a deaf ear to the persistent calls for an urgent IPAC forum on the intended biometric registration from both the PNC and the NPP, the EC on Monday wrote to the parties to participate in the observations of the process the following day.
He said to their surprise, when they got to the EC premises they were asked to sign a code that they would not talk, question or make any comment but only observe and make notes, a situation he described as an affront to his constitutional right to seek information.
He said although the political parties were not part of and would not be interested in participating in the procurement process, as major stakeholders in the electoral process they had to ensure that there was proper improvement in the biometric process.
Dr Opoku-Prempeh explained on an Accra radio station that while the political parties would not want to be part of the procurement processes by the EC, their views must be heard in the selection and undertaking of the biometric registration process.
“I would rather walk out and go and tell my party that the EC is taking this country down a path that may not be well for us,” he said.
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