As April 27 draws near the factions struggling for power within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are becoming increasingly clear though few members of the party would admit that they have been divided into rival blocs.
Chronicle can say that three broad blocs, the Rawlings bloc, the Dr. Obed Asamoah bloc and the J. H. Owusu Acheampong one are firmly established to contest the posts available at the contest.
Apart from the Rawlings bloc, which is putting up another person, Alhaji Idrissu Mahama, as the candidate for the National Chairmanship, the two other bloc leaders are themselves contesting for the post.
In the corner of Ex- President Rawlings, whose trump card is Alhaji Mahama are the now quiet former first lady, Nana Konadu, the NDC wordsmith Ekow Spio Garbrah and the hatchet man, Dr. Tony Aidoo.
Though heavy weights supporting Dr. Asamoah and Owusu Acheampong are discrete because of their lingering fear of Mr. Rawlings, insiders say either of them have considerable big wigs in their corners.
Differences are deepening by the day, a situation worsened by their own media wars and the hyping of the impending contest by the press.
One thing, though that the three candidates unanimously agree on is the abolition of the co-chairmanship.
Leading members interviewed expressed surprise that Ex-President Rawlings continues to insist on the bogus arrangement when even Idrissu, his candidate, wants a single chairmanship.
In the ring that will feature the three ex-senior cabinet Ministers will no doubt be a thrilling political bouts on Saturday.
After the horse-trading, powerful speeches and breathtaking balloting, expect Dr. Obed Asamoah to win with Acheampong probably placing a surprising second position.
This is because the popular feeling in the party now is that the Rawlings domination or dictatorship should be curtailed.
For the general secretaryship, the incumbent Huudu Yayah remains likely to recontest and do so with the blessing of Rawlings. But if by the eleventh hour he declines, Prof. Josiah Aryeh, the lecturer and social commentator will step in.
And either of them is likely to beat Alhaji Abukari Sumani, the former Ambassador and current Member of Parliament for Choggu-Tishigu who belongs to the Obed camp.
The perception is that Huudu and Aryeh each have carved for themselves a big stature within the NDC that Sumani cannot match.
Mr. Owusu Acheampong for now lacks a "complete team" and no body seems to have fielded for any but the post of National Organizer on his "ticket".
In fact Owusu Acheampong draws his strengh from posturing as a third force, hoping to pick votes of delegates irritated by the wranglings of the two main protagonists in the factional fights.
His real stronghold is the group of former MPs with whom he is in close touch.
For the post of National Vice Chairman, the Obed camp has Nii Okaija Adamafio, the ex- Interior Minister, whilst the man for the Rawlings-Mahama card is a surprise: Enoch Tei Mensah who relinguished his Youth Organizer post recently at age 60.
This is one of the bouts that Mr. Rawlings will have a shock of his life in; indications are that E.T will flunk miserably.
The fight for one of the most important positions in the party, the National Organizer, seems a straight fight between the Obed camps and the Acheampong corner.
Obed has the sympathy of Ofosu Ampofo former deputy Eastern Regional Minister.
According to insiders, though the 40 year-old MP maintains a cordial relationship with all the three camps, and denies any affiliation he is more of a Obed man.
His student leadership qualities, organization of the party in the Eastern Region since 1996 and his long association with the rank and file puts him ahead of Dauda.
For the National Treasurer post only Mrs. Clarke-Kwesie, the former Deputy Minister of Health has filed. Obviously not many people want to carry an empty kitty.
Of equally - low importance to the competitors, so far, has been the post of deputy General Secretary which has two slots.
Deputy National Treasurer, National Organizer and its deputy position are also not being keenly contested for now.
But Chronicle will bring you update as the countdown reaches high pitch.
Stay tuned.
