Delegates in limbo at the PNC congress

Sunyani (B/A), Feb. 4 GNA – Delegates attending the national congress of the People’s National Convention (PNC) in Sunyani are now confused on what to do following an interlocutory injunction filed by some members restraining the party from holding the congress.

The leaders of the PNC in Ashanti, Greater Accra, Upper West, Western and central regions were reported to have filed the injunction at an Accra High Court.

Notwithstanding the court case, some members of the national leadership of the party and the other delegates arrived in Sunyani on Friday, February 3, poised for the event to be held at the Sunyani Polytechnic Auditorium.

When the Ghana News Agency got to the venue at 0800 hours the auditorium was made ready for the congress, scheduled to commence at 0900 hours, but the delegates and other officials were not seen to be ready.

By 0930hours most of the delegates had arrived at the venue, giving accredited newsmen the hope of the congress commencing on schedule.

Surprisingly, as at 1400hours an official of the party emerged at the auditorium to announce that the congress would rather start at 1500 hours but this time kept changing till there was another announcement gave 1800hours for the commencement of the congress.

The continued postponement of the time appeared to have irritated the delegates, some of whom were heard complaining bitterly about not only the delay but that hunger had set in.

As at the time of filing this report by the GNA the leadership of the party was holding a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in a hotel in the Brong Ahafo regional capital.

Meanwhile, petty traders and food sellers were seen making brisk business at the congress grounds, selling all kinds of food and the party’s paraphernalia.

Dr Edward Nasigre Mahama if elected would set a record as the only person who has contested the flag-bearer position of a party five times.

Dr Mahama, a gynecologist in private practice faces stiff competition from Mr Hassan Ayariga, a 40-year-old business entrepreneur.

Sixteen members of the party are also contesting for seven executive positions in the party.

For the position of first national chairman Hajia Hajara Ali will be elected unopposed because she was the only aspirant at the close of nominations.

Mr Bernard Mornah, General Secretary, will be challenged by Mr Henry Haruna Asante, Communication Director of the party and Mr. Atik Mohammed, the party’s policy analyst.

Those contesting for national organiser are Abubakar Ebla Kwashie, Mr. Omar Ahmed Bekura and Mr Emmanuel Wilson.

Mr David Apasera, treasurer, who is seeking re-election, is being contested by Mr. Peter Batsa Teye, while Miss Elizabeth Amedekanyu and Janet Nabila, are vying for the position of national women’s organiser.