NPP supporters in Winneba demonstrate against National Executives

Winneba (C/R), Oct. 18, GNA - About 300 supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Effutu Constituency of the Central Region on Monday held demonstration against what they described as an "imposition of a candidate on them by the National Executive of the Party".

The demonstrators, who wore red arm bands held placards, some of which read: "We Cannot Sell Winneba Seat"; "No DCE" and "We Want Primary To Be Held To Elect A Candidate". They started their march from a point near the South Campus of the University of Winneba and ended at Ekerm Yard, where one of the Ward Chairmen, Mr Kofi Mensah read a statement to the press.

The statement said the imposition of one Mr Samuel Owusu Agyei, as the Parliamentary Candidate of the Party was unacceptable and undemocratic.

"He is not known to us and, therefore, do not find him a fitting candidate for the December polls."

They, therefore, appealed to the National Executives to withdraw Mr Agyei and hold a primary to democratically elect a candidate from the three candidates, who had filed their nominations long ago and were a waiting for the National Executive to fix the date for the primary. They are Mr Kwesi Nana Sawyer and Mr Emmanuel Afenyo Minkin both Businessman and Mr Emmanuel Minkin, Computer Analyst.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in an interview, Captain Steve Armah, District Chief Executive for the area, said under the Party's constitution, the Steering Committee could appoint a candidate at an area where there is a misunderstanding.

The DCE, therefore, described the action of the supporters as unreasonable. Meanwhile, the Police say they were looking for four leaders of the demonstrators for demonstrating without a Police permit.

Their names were, however, being withheld for security reasons. The Winneba District Police Commander, (ASP) Nicholas Gasu said under the Act, a Police permit should have been obtained before they undertook demonstration.