Major shake up in NDC expected

Ghana?s main opposition Party, NDC will conduct a major reshuffle in its machinery when the party goes to congress in September.
Conspicuously missing from the tall list of names and positions up for grabs is the beleaguered former general secretary of the party, Dr Nii Josiah Aryeh, although there were attempts to get him back on board by some heavy weights within the party.
Amongst some of the key positions will be the Chairmanship, the General Secretaryship, Deputy General Secretaryship, National Organiser and National Treasurer.
Snippets of information picked by The Heritage, a private daily indicates that Dr Yao Obed Asamoah will see his exit from the august position of National Chairmanship when the party goes to congress in September to elect new executives.
According to source, Prof Kofi Awoonor, former first deputy chairman of the party is highly tipped to take up the respected be but demanding position of National Chairman.
The source says the decision to have Dr Obed Asamoah booted out of the party was due to his inability to unite members of the party, which led to cracks in the party.
According to the source, the friction between him and founder of the party, ex president Jerry Rawlings is one of the remote factors for which the former foreign minister and later, the Attorney General in the erstwhile regime will not be allowed to continue as Chairman.
Prof Awoonor will be chosen when the party goes to congress, because he has portrayed an influential character, more respectable and has proved to be a reconciliatory symbol in the party, the source says.
? This is the character we need to champion the cause of the party. Somebody who is more experienced, someone who is strong and more involved in the activities of the party.?
The source says although there will be stiff opposition for the position from former majority leader J.H Owusu- Acheampong and former minister of culture, Alhaji Iddrisu Mahama, Prof Awoonor stands tall among them to win due to his unparalleled contribution to the party.
Another position, which is a foregone conclusion, is the position of the National Women?s organizer, which will be going to Ama Benyiwa Doe, former MP for Gomoa West.
This is because the present National Women Organiser, Frances Asiam will be contesting for the Parliamentary seat in Akuapem South Constituency in the 2008 general elections.
The general secretary position according to the source could go the way of the former minister of local government and rural development, Mr. Kwamena Ahowi, although Kofi Attoh and Bede Ziedeng could pose a threat to the ambitions of Mr. Ahowi.
The source says a possible meeting could be held in a couple of days to allow the party?s Members of Parliament to contest their position.
? When that compromise is reached, Nii Lante Vanderpuye who is vying for the position of National Youth Organiser held by Haruna Idrrisu, now MP for Tamale Central will be contesting Elvis Afriyie Ankrah and Baba Jamal, otherwise Baba Jamal could retain his position.
Former MP for Fanteakwa Mr. Ofosu Ampofo will battle Mr. Kofi Portuphey, the former mayor, for the position of National Organiser whiles Reverend Ofosu Botchwey according to the source will contest the position of National Treasurer.
The sister of Mr. Said Sinare will contest the slot for the Deputy National Women?s Organiser, the source says.

Ghana?s main opposition Party, NDC will conduct a major reshuffle in its machinery when the party goes to congress in September.
Conspicuously missing from the tall list of names and positions up for grabs is the beleaguered former general secretary of the party, Dr Nii Josiah Aryeh, although there were attempts to get him back on board by some heavy weights within the party.
Amongst some of the key positions will be the Chairmanship, the General Secretaryship, Deputy General Secretaryship, National Organiser and National Treasurer.
Snippets of information picked by The Heritage, a private daily indicates that Dr Yao Obed Asamoah will see his exit from the august position of National Chairmanship when the party goes to congress in September to elect new executives.
According to source, Prof Kofi Awoonor, former first deputy chairman of the party is highly tipped to take up the respected be but demanding position of National Chairman.
The source says the decision to have Dr Obed Asamoah booted out of the party was due to his inability to unite members of the party, which led to cracks in the party.
According to the source, the friction between him and founder of the party, ex president Jerry Rawlings is one of the remote factors for which the former foreign minister and later, the Attorney General in the erstwhile regime will not be allowed to continue as Chairman.
Prof Awoonor will be chosen when the party goes to congress, because he has portrayed an influential character, more respectable and has proved to be a reconciliatory symbol in the party, the source says.
? This is the character we need to champion the cause of the party. Somebody who is more experienced, someone who is strong and more involved in the activities of the party.?
The source says although there will be stiff opposition for the position from former majority leader J.H Owusu- Acheampong and former minister of culture, Alhaji Iddrisu Mahama, Prof Awoonor stands tall among them to win due to his unparalleled contribution to the party.
Another position, which is a foregone conclusion, is the position of the National Women?s organizer, which will be going to Ama Benyiwa Doe, former MP for Gomoa West.
This is because the present National Women Organiser, Frances Asiam will be contesting for the Parliamentary seat in Akuapem South Constituency in the 2008 general elections.
The general secretary position according to the source could go the way of the former minister of local government and rural development, Mr. Kwamena Ahowi, although Kofi Attoh and Bede Ziedeng could pose a threat to the ambitions of Mr. Ahowi.
The source says a possible meeting could be held in a couple of days to allow the party?s Members of Parliament to contest their position.
? When that compromise is reached, Nii Lante Vanderpuye who is vying for the position of National Youth Organiser held by Haruna Idrrisu, now MP for Tamale Central will be contesting Elvis Afriyie Ankrah and Baba Jamal, otherwise Baba Jamal could retain his position.
Former MP for Fanteakwa Mr. Ofosu Ampofo will battle Mr. Kofi Portuphey, the former mayor, for the position of National Organiser whiles Reverend Ofosu Botchwey according to the source will contest the position of National Treasurer.
The sister of Mr. Said Sinare will contest the slot for the Deputy National Women?s Organiser, the source says.