Rejoinder: Alex Segbefia walks out on NDC

The Executive and the entire membership of the UK and Ireland Branch of the NDC wish to unequivocally disassociate itself from an article published on Ghana web on Monday 5 October 2009, captioned “Alex Segbefia walks out on NDC”

1. The said article was purported to have originated from the UK/Ireland Branch NDC, which we strongly refute.

2. The views expressed by the writers do not represent those of the entire membership of the Party.

3. The accounts of events leading to the said general meeting and thereafter, as presented in the said article, were factually inaccurate and misleading.

4. We wish to state that it has always been the policy to have representatives of the NDC National Party present at NDC, UK and Ireland Branch elections to ensure free and fair election.

5. The elections scheduled for the 29th September did not take place because members of the NDC National Executive, who were to act as presiding officers, were unable to arrive in the UK on the Election Day.

6. Mr Alex Segbefia, in order to facilitate his neutrality, thought it would be unfair for him, as the current chairman, to supervise and preside over the local elections; hence his postponement of the elections.

7. The ensuing debate and the dissatisfaction of a section of those members present, who were unhappy that the elections were postponed, could not be contained in any civilised way.

8. Mr Alex Sebgefia was left with no alternative but to close the meeting and to leave the meeting hall.

9. Mr Alex Segbefia position has always been to ensure free and fair elections, the outcome of which would have to be acceptable to all members.

10. It is rather unfortunate that a section of the membership had misconstrued Mr Alex Segbefia’s intentions and had to resort to mud sling and character assassination.

The National Democratic Congress is a social democratic party. It believes in freedom of speech, the equality and egalitarian treatment of all persons with respect.

Members are entitled to express their views openly but must endeavour to do so independently, if they wish, without fear and must also endeavour to respect the rights and views of other members, always ensuring high level of decorum and order

A full press statement on this issue will be made at the appropriate time

Emmanuel R. A. Osae

PRO- NDC United Kingdom & Ireland