PNC Chairman calls party executives to order

Accra, Oct. 4, GNA - Dr. Mike Mensah-Bonsu, National Chairman of the People's National Convention (PNC) on Thursday ordered the feuding National Executives members of the party to cease hostilities and unite to build a solid front for Elections 2008.

"Am back to the chairmanship seat, all antagonisms and power struggle for the chairmanship must stop forthwith we must respect our constitutional structure of leaders and conform accordingly," Dr. Mensah-Bonsu stated at a press conference organized to address problems within the party.

Two leading members of the party - the first and the second vice chairmen, in the absence of the National Chairman who is outside the country had been entangled in leadership tug-of-war. The leadership disarray led to the creation of splinter groups, court cases, and restraining order placed on the party operations for months.

Dr. Mensah-Bonsu told newsmen that PNC as a national party must be governed in accordance with its Constitution in the broad framework of the 1992 Constitution. The structure consist of Executive Committee, at the national, regional and constituency levels and composes of: the Chairperson; 1st Vice Chairperson; 2nd Vice Chairperson; Secretary and Assistant Secretary.

Others were; Treasurer; Financial Secretary; Organizer; Women Organizer; Youth Organizer. Dr Mensah-Bonsu explained that the Chairperson was the executive head of the party and the convener of meetings of the Executive Committee.

In the absence of the Chairperson the 1st Constituency Vice Chairperson shall act in his or her place. The PNC Chairman said, "Any vacancy which may occur for whatever reason in the membership of the Executive Committee shall be filled; in the case of the Chairperson by the 1st Vice-Chairperson; in the case of the 1st Vice-Chairperson by the 2nd Vice Chairperson, and in the case of the 2nd Vice Chairperson, Secretary in that order. He said the party's Constitution therefore provided for structures with clearly defined compositions, functions and powers, which allowed the party to operate efficiently and to gain the respect and trust deserving of a political party.

This is the only way the party can endear itself to the electorate and thereby win their mandate to form a government to implement its manifesto and improve the well-being of Ghanaians. Dr Mensah-Bonsu was flanked by Dr Edward Mahama, PNC Presidential Candidate for Elections 1996, 2000 and 2004, Mr John Ndebugre and Alhaji Ahmed Ramadan, First and Second Vice Chairmen, respectively and other leading members of the party.

The PNC Chairman noted: "Respect for the Constituency can therefore not be taken lightly. It is the responsibility of every member to be a watchdog of the Constitution.

Meanwhile the party has fixed November 30th to December 2, this year to hold its National Delegates Congress at the Catholic Social Centre in Bolgatanga to elect a flag bearer for Elections 2008. A statement signed in Accra by Mr.Gabriel Pwamang, PNC General Secretary, said the decision was taken by the National Executive Committee at a meeting in Accra on September 29, presided over by its chairman, Dr. Mike Mensa Bonsu.

The congress would also elect a leader and other national officers and consider proposals for constitutional amendments and motions on policy direction of the party.

The statement said nominations would begin from October 10-30 after which all nominees would be vetted before the elections. 04 Oct. 07