The proposed merger between the Convention People’s Party (CPP) and the People’s National Convention (PNC) seem to have suffered another jolt as the latter is accusing the former of frustrating the efforts.
According to the flagbearer of the PNC, Hassan Ayariga, they are disappointed in the party founded by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President, for going ahead to launch their campaign manifesto when both parties are looking forward to present a united front for the 2012 elections.
Mr. Ayariga told Accra-based Joy FM that the CPP has betrayed the PNC for its latest move which he said undermines the ongoing merger talks between the two parties.
Both Nkrumahist parties performed abysmally in the 2008 elections and since then have given indications of contesting the 2012 elections as one party. Speculation of the merger between the two parties has lingered in the media for several years.
Some of the major factors that seemed to be militating against the said merger then were what name to call the merged party, what logo to use, who becomes the flagbearer and who takes the running mate slot among others.
All these questions and many more remained unanswered leaving the two parties in a limbo, but in the wake of the 2012 elections both sides have set up a committee with representation from either side to come up with proposals and answers to the nagging issues.
The CPP has however denied the accusation from the side of the PNC, adding that they are still committed to the merger. The PNC is, however, unsure of whether or not to go ahead with the merger or go solo.
Both parties have, however, gone ahead to elect their flagbearers, Dr. Abu Sakara Foster for the CPP and Ayariga for the PNC.**
