Uneasy Calm In Jomoro NDC

Kofi Portuphy – NDC National Chairman

There is uneasy calm in the camp of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Jomoro constituency of the Western Region, which is likely going to adversely affect the chances of the ruling party retaining the seat in this year's general election.

The apprehension in the party follows a decision by an aggrieved member, Leo Kofi Armah Amenlemah – who contested in the parliamentary primary of the NDC in the constituency last year but lost – to run as independent candidate for the November 7 elections.

Mr Amenlemah placed second in the contest held in November last year but refused to sign the Electoral Commission's election declaration result sheet.

He alleged that the primary was rigged in favour of one Thomas Yankey.

According to sources, the decision by Amenlemah to contest the 2016 parliamentary election as independent candidate has sparked confusion in the party as majority of the youth are said to have welcomed his decision.

Mr Amenlemah asserted that before last year's contest, he brought to the attention of the constituency and the regional executives some names of party members which had been deleted from the register at areas perceived to be his strongholds.

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“The entire register was also photocopied for Thomas Yankey, the preferred candidate of the executives, whilst the other candidates were asked to purchase the register,” he asserted.

He has decided therefore, to represent the people of Jomoro as an independent candidate, saying the top men of the NDC in the constituency were always cheating on the people and depriving them of their preferred candidate.

He urged all “well-meaning people of Jomoro” to support him in his quest to bring to an end the suppression of their rights by the NDC gurus.

Meanwhile, the Jomoro constituency executives have appealed to Mr Mr Amenlemah to rescind his decision.

The constituency chairman, Gideon Konibah, noted that Amenlemah’s decision was contrary to the party’s constitution and regulations.

The chairman stressed that the primary held in the area was not rigged in favour of any candidate as had been speculated.

According to Mr Koniba, “It is therefore unfortunate to see his posters and giant bill boards mounted across the constituency as an independent parliamentary candidate in 2016.”

From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi