NPP Youth Activists protest against pre-election acrimony

Takoradi Dec. 8, GNA-A group of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Youth Activists in the Western Region on Monday called on the party's National Executive Committee to check 'irregularities in the campaigning' for the upcoming regional executive elections.

Mr. Kenneth Quansah, a spokesman for the activists, told a press conference in Takoradi that pre-election activities in the region had been dented and was "nothing to write home about".

"it is characterized by unnecessary impartialities, discriminations, favouritism and manipulations by some leading members in the region who should stay away from the entire process".

He said the activists were using the press conference which was dubbed: "Manipulations and impositions will kill the party", to make their grievance known to the rank and file of the party.

"We are doing this because the party performed abysmally in the region during the 2008 general elections as a result of imposition and disunity among the party leadership."

Mr. Quansah said the leadership of the party should give those who have expressed interest in contesting the regional executive elections fair and equal opportunity devoid of intimidations, attacks, divisiveness and hatred to enable them embark on politics of issues. He reminded prospective contestants that "dirty politics aggravate post elections activities" so they should convince delegates on issues and not abuse others.

Mr. Quansah appealed past and incumbent parliamentarians, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives of the party in the region to refrain from influencing the upcoming elections in the interest of the party and to avoid future accusations and counter accusations that would not promote the party but would worsen its woes.

He said, "We also believe that if delegates are allowed to subject aspiring candidates to intensive scrutiny for loyalty, competence, preparedness and willingness, it would be the surest way the region would have chosen to elect its leaders".

Mr. Quansah appealed to delegates to elect leaders who would consider the party's growth and ideals before their individual and selfish interests adding: "Delegates must give the region leadership that will not promote divisiveness, factionalism and back-biting". 8 Dec.09