Pnc For Congress

THE LEADERSHIP of the People's National Convention (PNC) has fixed Friday, November 30 for its national delegates' congress.
The event, slated for Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region, would see the election of the party's 2008 presidential candidate as well as national officers.

Briefing DAILY GUIDE at the PNC headquarters at Kotobabi on Wednesday, Haruna Sumani, an officer in-charge of the party's policy analysis, said over 2,000 delegates and hundreds of sympathisers are expected to attend the three-day event which would end on Sunday, December 3.

PNC, he said, is also to hold its Greater Accra Regional Congress on Saturday, November 10, 2007.

He said Dr. Edward Nasigri Mahama and Professor Yakubu Saaka, two presidential aspirants, have already completed and submitted their nomination papers. “These two have already paid a nomination fee of ¢50 million to the party,” he emphasised.

Asked about the party's chances, having experienced three successive electoral defeats in 1996, 2000 and 2004, Mr. Sumani replied, “Ghanaians have tried and tested the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party and realized that they have nothing good to offer them as far as the country's development is concerned; I can assure you that PNC, after its congress, will come out strongly to do real political battle in December 2008.

“We shall surely spring a big surprise by forming the next government in January, 2009.”

Reacting to recent lawsuits filed against Dr. Edward Mahama by some members who are challenging his position as leader of the party, Mr. Sumani described the actions as baseless, stressing that those involved were ignorant about the party's constitution.

He explained that the aggrieved members, including Mr. Halm Kotey, the party's Greater Accra Regional Chairman, erred because they failed to go by laid down rules and regulations for the proper settlement of their grievances.

The PNC guru said Dr. Mahama will continue to be the leader of the party until delegates at a congress decide to vote against him.

He noted that Article 49 (1) of the party's constitution states that “There shall be a national leader of the party who shall be the overall leader and chief spokesman; he/she shall be the presidential candidate”.

Besides, Clause (2) of the same Article, he observed, states that “He shall hold office for a term not less than the life of Parliament and shall be eligible for re-election for another term.”

Mr. Sumani called on the aggrieved members to use appropriate channels to address all future grievances so as to ensure utmost peace and tranquility within the party.

He also advised all members and sympathisers to remain resolute and focused in order to ensure total victory for the party in 2008.

By Grace Eyram Dartey