NPP leadership's condemnation of G-4 is unfortunate

Accra, July 19, GNA - Representatives of the four presidential candidate aspirants of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Monday described the public pronouncement of the National Executives on the group's recent press conference as deplorable.

They therefore called on the leadership to exhibit political maturity, neutrality and transparency in their administration and dealings with all the aspirants, a member of the group told Ghana News Agency in Accra.

The G-4 on June 28 petitioned Chairman of NPP's Elections Committee in a letter titled: "Need for Credible Electoral Register for Selection of NPP Presidential Candidate".

Copies of the letter were sent to the National Chairman, First and Second Vice Chairmen, General Secretary, National Organiser, National Treasurer, National Women's Organiser, National Youth Organiser, National Nasara Coordinator, Minority Leader - NPP Parliamentary Caucus, Chairman National Council of Elders and all the five aspirants.

The G-4 requested the Elections Committee Chairman to respond for a formal joint validation of the register by close of business on Thursday, July 1.

Signatories to the letter were arranged according to the aspirants' appearance on the ballot paper. The letters were signed by their representatives.

Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng by Dr Felix Fonder, Mr Isaac Osei by Mr Ken Amankwah, Mr John K. Kodua, by Nana Prempeh and Mr Alan K. Kyerematen by Mr Yaw B. Asamoa.

The Elections Committee Chairman, Mr C. K. Tedam, in letter dated July 1 acknowledged receipt of their letter and scheduled a meeting between the aspirants and the committee on Monday July 5, to discuss the issues.

"The G-4 therefore find it extremely unfortunate for Mr Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, General Secretary, quoted by the media accusing representatives of the four aspirants for failing to follow due process in expressing our concerns to the executives before making it public," the source said.

The fifth aspirant is Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, 2008 presidential candidate of the party.