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31.08.2014 Politics

Akufo-Addo shocked by confusion at Super Delegates' Conference

By Myjoyonline.com | Nathaniel Yankson
Akufo-Addo shocked by confusion at Super Delegates' Conference
31.08.2014 LISTEN

Aspiring New Patriotic Party presidential candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo has expressed surprise at reports of confusions erupting at some polling stations where the Super Delegates' Conference is being held.

Reports suggested there was misunderstanding at some of the polling stations in the Northern, Volta regions as well as the party headquarters in Accra.

“I'm surprised to hear this news," Nana Akufo-Addo told Joy News' Francis Abban in an exclusive interview Sunday.

He would not however, make any comments until he is properly briefed.

"I don't want to prejudice the matter until I have heard from my people to hear what exactly took place.”

Joy FM's Northern Regional Correspondent, Martina Bugri, reported that a delegate showed-off his ballot, which revealed he voted for one particular candidate.

The action is contrary to the party's laid down procedures during such elections.

However, party executives were quick to resolve the issue.

The poll started at 8am and would close at 3pm. A total of 787 voters are taking part in the super delegates congress across the regions.

Eleven polling stations have been designated for the process with an additional one at the party headquarters in Accra.

Elsewhere in the Volta region, Hubert Mawuli Yevu-Agbi also reported that some media personnel present at a polling station were blocked from capturing ongoing activities.

Apparently, two top party executives - former Parliamentary candidate, Ken Anku and Regional Chairman, John Peter Amewu were trading words, described as unprintable.

Also at the NPP headquarters in Accra, where similar chaotic situation was reported, former General Secretary, Dan Botwe said the matter was under control.

Nana Addo is contesting a former Trade Minister in John Kufuor's administration, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, Member of Parliament for Mampong, Francis Addai Nimoh and Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku, a former MP for Offinso to lead the party in the 2016 presidential election.

Others include a former Information Minister, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Joe Ghartey, MP for Essikado-Ketan and Asuogyaman MP, Osei Ameyaw.

Asked if he had any projections even before the election started, Nana Addo stated “I am not going to speak about my projection on the radio. Let's wait and see what happens. The sovereign people are the voters; let's hear their voice.”

To him, it appeared the process has been going on well across the country and so everybody is keeping his or her fingers crossed.

The two-time presidential candidate for the opposition NPP went to church this Sunday morning with his family before casting his single vote at the party's headquarters in Accra.

Several reports trickling in suggested that some delegates took photos of their ballots, which revealed the candidates they voted for.

But Nana Addo explained that “the secret ballot is for you. I think if you choose not to make it secret that's your matter but you are entitled to have your ballots secret; that's my understanding of the law.”

He further explained that the election is a requirement of the NPP's constitution to go through elections to elect both national and regional leaders.

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