I am not aware of any presidential aspirants

The current nationwide declaration of interest by some members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the party’s 2008 presidential slot may mean nothing as the Chairman of the party, Mr Mac Manu claims he is not aware of such declarations.

According to him, the party is yet to open nominations for the 2008 presidential slot and thus anybody declaring intention and interest may only be making noise in the media.

“I do not know anything about any presidential aspirants. The party has not open nominations to that effect. All such declarations you hear, for the meantime, are noises”, said the Chairman to this paper, stressing, “as the Chairman, I have not heard anything, I do not work with newspaper reports, “opanin due mante mante”.

Pressed to comment on whether he would prefer the party to go to an early congress or otherwise to select its flag bearer for the 2008 slot, Mr Mac said his position in the party would not require of him to answer such a question at this time.

According to him, the party would soon role out to the media, its programme leading to the 2008 general elections.

The NPP Chairman, however, quoted Article 9 amendment 2003 of the party’s Constitution, saying the party is required to elect its flag bearer not later than eleven months to the next general elections, when in power.

So far, the names of members of the party, which have appeared in the media as interested in the 2008 presidential slot are: Vice President Aliu Mahama, Hackman Owusu-Agyeman, Minister for Water resources, Works and Housing: Alan Kyeremanteng, Minister for Trade and Industry; Nana Akuffo Addo, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and NEPAD; Mr Osafo Maafo; Dr Kofi Apraku; Prof Mike Ocquaye, Minister of Communication; Dr Addo Kufuor, Minister for Defence and Prof Frimpong Boateng, CEO of Korle-Bu.

Apart from those holding Ministerial positions, who have not denied media reports of their aspirations, the rest – Osafo Maafo, Dr Apraku and Prof Frimpong Boateng have openly declared their presidential aspirations.

Recent reports in the media say research has indicated that there have been lack of unanimity among Members of Parliament (MPs) as to whether the party should go to congress early or otherwise to elect the party’s flag bearer.

While some MPs think congress should be convened early, others think otherwise.