We will resist attempts to rig elections - Jamal

Accra, March 1, GNA - Alhaji Baba Jamal, Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has warned that his outfit will resist attempts by individuals, groups and organizations to rig the forthcoming general elections in December.

"We will resort to constitutional, legal and any other means to ensure the elections go on smoothly."

Alhaji Jamal, who said this during the inauguration of the Greater Accra Regional Branch of the NDC Zongo Caucus in Accra on Saturday gave the assurance that the party will device several means to curtail all attempts to rig the elections.

He was of the view that NDC stands a great chance of winning the December 2008 General Elections, and efforts to rig will be a major obstacle to the realization of that dream.

"This is a new NDC and we won't repeat mistakes of the past," declared the aspiring Member of Parliament for Akwatia Constituency. The Deputy General Secretary described Zongo communities as one of the key sectors of the country's population and underscored the need to be recognized as such.

Alhaji Jamal described Zongo communities as progressive and explained that there are 238 established Zongo communities in the country, outside the three Northern Regions, each with a population of over 5,000.

He dismissed reports suggesting that inhabitants of the Zongo communities are non-Ghanaians stressing that they traced their ancestry to generations who fought and struggled for Ghana's independence.

Alhaji Jamal declared that the NDC currently holds about 85% of votes from the Zongo communities, while announcing that plans are far advanced to reach the 90% mark before the December elections. He swore the 17-member Executives of the group into office, while charging the members of the need to work as a team to achieve their desired goals.

The members are Mohammed Ashkar - Coordinator, Alhaji Gariba Shaibu - First Vice-Coordinator, Sumaila Husein - Second Vice-Coordiantor, Mohamed Tchafaram - Secretary, Olabode Williams - Secretary, Mustapha Mohamed - Organizer, Fuseini Adams - First Deputy Organizer and Habib Mohamed - Second Deputy Organizer.

Others are Hajara Mohamed - Women's Organizer, Amina Sambo - First Deputy Women's Organizer, Amina Adamu - Second Deputy Women's Organizer, Hawa Abubakar - Third Deputy Women's Organizer, Hajia Monnie - Treasurer and Hajia Sadia - Deputy Treasurer.

The rest are Mohamed Imam - Propaganda Secretary with Sulley Mohammed and Hajia Salah Seidu as Executive Members.

Alhaji Baba Sherif, a leading member of the Zongo Caucus challenged the Executives to work hard towards the formation of the NDC Zongo Caucus throughout all 27 constituencies within the region within the shortest possible time.

An appeal for funds to support the group's activities yielded 489.20 Ghana Cedis.