Activists of PNC hold national leaders hostage for hours

Accra, Nov. 29, GNA - Scores of polling station agents and members of the Peoples' National Convention (PNC) last Saturday held the National Executive Committee (NEC) hostage to demand their unpaid allowance for Election 2008.

They blocked entrance to the party's headquarters at Abavana Down near Pig Farm in Accra amidst shouting, singing and hooting as the officials trooped in for a meeting.

Dr Somtim Tobiga, Leading Member of the party, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview in Accra on Monday that the young men (PNC Foot Soldiers) were frustrated by the insensitivity of the leadership. He said their action was the result of the hide-and-seek attitude adopted by the leadership especially the national chairman who was mandated to effect payment.

The meeting was attended by Alhaji Ahmed Ramadan, National Chairman, Dr Edward Nasigre Mahama, a four-time Presidential Candidate of the party, Mr Bernard Monarh, General Secretary and Greater Accra Regional Executives. It was to discuss "PNC/CPP Unity Talk" based on a letter from the Convention Peoples' Party (CPP).

Dr Tobiga challenged the constitutionality of the "Serial Presidential Candidate of the Party, Dr Mahama" for contesting four times as candidate of the party which was a gross contravention of the party's constitution. He said Article 49(2) of the party's constitution which spells out eligibility clearly limits a Presidential Candidate to two-attempts; "But Dr Mahama has contested for four times and plans are underway for a fifth time. "Dr Mahama was violating the PNC's Constitution as provided under Article 49 (1) and (2) by continuing to hold himself out and act as leader and as a presidential candidate of the party", he said.

Dr Tobiga noted: "Political Parties must internally adhere to the tenets of democratic principles; we cannot say the nation is practicing democratic principles and good governance whilst practicing something else within the party structures".

He said the "True Patriots of PNC" would mobilise to ensure that "PNC adhere to democratic constitutional principles". Mr Emmanuel Wilson, PNC National Youth Organiser, who confirmed the incident told the GNA that "it was embarrassing as the Police had to mount surveillance until the end of the meeting and escorted Dr Mahama." 29 Nov. 10