NDC Old Guards Association wants decision on ban revoked

Kumasi, Aug 22, GNA - The Old Guards Association of the National Democra= tic Congress (NDC) has kicked against the decision by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Party to ban it from operating. It described the decision as shocking, saying it was dismayed by the NEC's refusal to engage the leadership of the Association in discussion before taking that decision.

"We would like to state that the Old Guards are not members of a splinter group in the NDC as a careful perusal of its draft constitution clearly spelt out what the Association stood for."

A statement signed by Oheneba Asamoah Atuahene, the Chairman, and issued in Kumasi on Sunday, stated that the Association represented a body of old inactive NDC members who were committed to mobilizing themselves to garner massive support for the party in the 2012 elections and beyond.

It said its membership comprised cadres, former Ministers, Members of Parliament (MPs), District Chief Executives (DCEs), party officials and activists. The statement explained that it would therefore be unfortunate for the party to wish away such a noble Association of men and women of substance whose contributions and

experience could remain crucial to the fortunes of the NDC. It said as much as the Association concurred with the NEC in their attempt to foster unity by putting a ban on the activities of splinter groups, there was the need for the Committee to exercise circumspection in dealing with the Old Guards.

The Association, the statement said, was ready to offer dedicated services to party to enhance victory in 2012 and as a result it was prudent for the NEC to rescind its decision to foster sustainable growth of the party. 22 Aug.11