1,200 delegates to attend GCPP National Congress

The Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) on Friday said it was ready for its National Delegates' Congress to be held at the Citadel Hall, Kaneshie in Accra on Saturday, November 29.

The Congress, which has the theme: "The New Face of Domestication in Contemporary Ghanaian Politics," would be attended by 1,200 delegates, five from each of the 200 constituencies, and representatives from the Central Committee Council of Elders, and Founding Members.

Delegates are expected to elect a Flag Bearer, National Chairman, two Vice Chairmen, General Secretary, National Treasurer, National Organiser, National Women Organiser and National Education Secretary.

Mr Mustapha Togbe Ametu is challenging, Mr "Domestication" Dan Lartey, 2000 Presidential Candidate of the party for the flag bearer position, whiles Mr John Baah Seesi and Ahmed Isahaku are vying for the National Treasurer.

Mr Samuel K. Obeng and Mr Joseph Aryertury are contesting for the post of National Organizer, Miss Victoria Philips Ghann and Mrs Adetina Dennis for the National Women Organiser and Mr Alhassan Saered and Mr George K. Avorga for the National Education Secretary.

Four candidates have been declared unopposed. They are Mr E. B. Mensah for the National Chairman, Mr John Amekah for National Secretary, Mr John Thompson and Mr Gilbert Barnor for the first and second National Chairmanship respectively.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Accra, Mr Amekah, incumbent National Secretary urged the contestants, their supporters and party members to exercise the greatest restraint during and after the elections.

"I expect us to come back from Congress united than we went in, as we have a bigger battle ahead of us that calls for unity."

He urged the delegates, contestants and numerous supporters to be guided by the supreme interest of the party and to vote for candidates with merits, skills and commitment to leadership position.

The Congress is also expected to amend the party's Constitution, adopt strategies for the next general election, discuss the national economy and other national and international issues.

On alleged court injunction restraining the party from holding the congress, Mr Lartey said the party had not received any order, adding, "in any case if we are served the decision of the court would be respected."

He, however, assured the delegates that the necessary action had been taken to ensure a successful congress as the Electoral Commission, the Police and the media had all been given notices of the congress. GNA