NDC Race: Atubiga ‘mad’ over GHC400,000 filing fee

A Flagbearer hopeful, of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Stephen Atubiga has raised concerns over the party’s decision to charge GHC400,000 as filing fee for presidential aspirants.

He’s of the view that the said amount will deter potential and capable persons who would want to lead the party into the 2020 general elections but do not have that amount to seal his candidature.

According to him, the NDC known for it care and love for the poor and vulnerable in society will begin to lose credibility and erode all the gains it has made as a democratic party.

Speaking to Kasapa News, he said “Money shouldn’t lead us, the party is paramount. I have served this party from 1992 up to date. My family have sacrificed for this party. The foundation of this party is about the poor and marginalized. Jerry John Rawlings didn’t start this party on the premise of making money but I can tell you that, it new king new law”.

He added: “If you should calculate the amount, is close to $100,000, which is just filing fee and buying of the form, I will be surprised that an aspirant will go ahead to pay this fees not asking what we are doing to this party.

Being a leader is not about your pocket, you can be a good leader without necessarily having money”.

The filing fee for women and persons with disabilities will be GHc 200,000.

These decisions were taken at an ongoing National Executive Council, NEC, meeting of the NDC.

So far 13 persons have declared their intention to lead the party come 2020, including former President John Mahama.