Group besieges Akufo-Addo's residence; demand withdrawal of new guidelines

A group of New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters in the Awutu Senya District of the Central Region have besieged the residence of the party's flagbearer to demand the immediate withdrawal of new guidelines introduced by the party leadership.

According to the group, the new guidelines will only favour a selected few and deprive equally qualified candidates of the opportunity to contest elections.

The group's demand is in relation to a guideline released by the National Executive Committee (NEC) on the party's upcoming primaries.

The directive indicated among other things that the following coastal constituencies in the Greater Accra Region should be contested by Ga indigenes except in exceptional circumstances: Ngleshie Amanfrom, Ablekuma South, Odododiodio, Korle Klottey, La Dade Kotopon, Ledzokuku, Krowo,r Tema East, Tema West, Kpone Katamanso, Amasaman, Obom and Domeabra.

It also stated that the NEC had adopted a proposal for only female aspirants to contest the seats of the existing 16 female NPP Members of Parliament.

However, following the release of the directive, some members of the party have kicked against the directive and asked for its immediate withdrawal.

Some party supporters yesterday besieged the party headquarters yesterday protesting the new proposals and guidelines.

Pollster Ben Epson described the policy as a “recipe for disaster”.

Earlier today some supporters of the party defied heavy rains and travelled from Asamankese in the Eastern Region to present a petition to the hierarchy of the party to further register their discontent of the policy.

Some of the supporters who spoke to Joy New's Afreh Kwakye Nuamah said the decision to restrict non-Ga's from contesting in some areas will bring division into the party and cause the party to lose the 2016 general elections.  

Clad in red armbands and the colours of the party, they told Afreh Kwakye Nuamah that the party in their view should give people the freedom to participate in party activities without unnecessary restrictions.  

The group warned that if the guidelines are not withdrawn, more demonstration will be held.

Meanwhile, the party's 2016 flagbearer Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has promised to provide a favourable response to the demands within 24 hours.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Naa Sakwaba Akwa | [email protected]