NDC Lawra constituency polls: We are not going to disappoint you – Chairman Bati 

Mr Joseph Bati, the newly elected Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party in the Lawra Constituency, has assured branch executives of the party of working hard to address their concerns.

He acknowledged the dissatisfaction among branch executives but assured that the newly elected executive committee would ensure their concerns received the necessary attention.

“We are not going to disappoint you. We will fight this battle together. We will ensure that your demands are carried to the latter,” Mr Bati said.

He indicated that addressing those concerns would help strengthen the party at the grassroots ahead of the 2028 general election.

Mr Bati, who had been re-elected for a second term as chairman, gave the assurance in his victory speech after the party's constituency delegates conference held at the Lawra Senior High School in Lawra at the weekend.

Mr Bati secured 281 out of 809 valid votes cast, beating his closest contender, Mr James Lonteng, who had 272, to retain his position.

Mr Nicholas Nangzie was elected Vice Chairperson with 323 votes out of 815 valid votes cast, beating his closest contender, Mr Simon S. Dege, who polled 276 votes.

Other elected executives were: Mr Peter Sorinye, Secretary; Mr Timothy Wapaalu, Deputy Secretary; Mr Sampson Biokang Botee, Organiser; Justus Daanoma, Deputy Organiser; Roger Kaburu, Treasurer; Libanus Dery, Deputy Treasurer; and Seidu S. Abdul Rahman, Deputy Communications Officer.

The rest were: Bridget Bonkansang, Women's Organiser; Cecilia Dery, Deputy Women's Organiser; Josephene Aasoayir, Youth Organiser; Derick Aagyereyir, Deputy Youth Organiser; Abel Nuusig, Other Youth Representative; and Musah Alhassan, Zongo Caucus Coordinator.

Meanwhile, there was a tie at the Communications Officer's position as Mr Simon Dery Sobrkyile and Mr Stephen Gandaanuo had 230 votes each out of 820 valid votes cast.

Mr Bati said his experience from the previous four years had equipped him to effectively steer the affairs of the constituency.

He also assured of running an all-inclusive leadership, bringing on board all stakeholders, including the branch executives and unsuccessful aspirants, to build a formidable party in the constituency.

He urged the executives to remain disciplined and committed to the party's objectives, including retaining the Lawra parliamentary seat and keeping the NDC in government in 2028.

Mr Bede Ziedeng, Member of Parliament for Lawra Constituency, congratulated the successful candidates and encouraged those who lost to remain active and support the course of the party.

He said the outcome should be regarded as a collective victory for the NDC rather than the achievement of individuals who secured positions.

Mr Ziedeng said the unresolved issue of the Communications Officer tie would be referred to the party's national headquarters for direction.

Professor Samuel Ziem Bonye, the Chairperson of the Conference, commended all stakeholders, particularly the security agencies, for ensuring a peaceful conference.

He appealed to all aspirants to remain loyal to the party by putting their membership first before the positions they contested.

“The membership of the party belongs to all of us and is what brings unity. Let’s keep that spirit of unity with us”, Prof. Bonye explained.

Madam Cecilia Nuratu Soyelleh, Lawra Municipal Chief Executive, indicated that the outcome of the election was the voice of God, confirmed by the delegates, which should be harnessed in the interest of the party.

The Lawra Municipal office of the Electoral Commission, led by Mr Justice Apaloo, supervised the election.

Mr Gorden Tuu, a member of the Regional Executive Committee, administered the oaths of office and secrecy.

GNA