Final Note on NPP Constitutional Amendment

KU-KRU-DU…..EISHIE…..RADO….RADO…..RADO!
CONGRATULATIONS ON OUR AKWATIA WIN!

Just to be completely sure that we are all set on the same page, let us summarize our collective decision on issues we are going to add in (and those to remove from) our constitution. Comparing notes is one major strategy that keeps modern democracies moving in the right direction, lest no one misconstrues the issues at stake.

Numerous discussions were made across the Atlantic over the weekend which give some breathe of sigh that we seem to agree on same issues. Unanimous decisions seem to exist in all three of the Youth demands - One-Member-One-Vote (OMOV), Discipline, and Super-Delegates - although some reservations on the insert of disciplinary aspects exist. Nevertheless, democracy is incomplete if any of the three Youth League demands is not fulfilled.

The discussions I had with some prominent persons of our party over the weekend agree on the Super-Delegates proposal but argued on “POSITIONING”. The Youth League wants the Super-Delegates to function as the last resort, while the calling team also wants it work from the front by vetting candidates to trim it to the required three (3) candidates.

The Youth League did not feel comfortable with the TRIMMING aspect of the discussion. The Youth League therefore suggested that, we insert the OMOV, Super-Delegates, and the Disciplinary proposals into the constitution now; then have ample time for ourselves to seek universal discussions on them regarding their formulations, compositions, and implementations.

I drew the attention of the team that the party has a strong Vetting Committee in place that sees to it that we do not allow dishonesty in any form to bedevil our party; although ownership of multiple passports with multi-national allegiance succeeded infiltrating into our core. However, I felt extremely happy when the team suggested that, we could expand the Vetting Committee into Super-Delegates to function in our collective demand. These are all good brainstorming ideas.

However, the Youth must keep the flame glowing beyond the voting day on Saturday, 22 August 2009.

Transparency is all what we are demanding. A transparent process is a respecter of members. A transparent process is democratic. And above all, a transparent process promises an everlasting transfer of power to the Youth. Transparency promises procedural clarity. An honest leader with no hidden agenda, confident of prudent policies, and ready with a plan to govern, is not afraid of OMOV, Discipline, and Super-Delegate procedures.

We will settle for nothing less than the three demands: (1) OMOV; (2) Discipline; and (3) Super-Delegates.

One other important thing I see with the OMOV campaign is that our members are interpreting it to the best of their individual understanding. Some people have even started going round with pre-signed membership cards for members in the regions to create a clear lead in the OMOV exercise. That tactic is wrong. OMOV does not entertain any hidden agenda.

The Idea Champions of OMOV will travel across the country to register every eligible NPP member and issue cards instantly. Ghana has ten (10) regions; and all the regions have constituencies; and all the constituencies have wards. The Idea Champions will travel to all these places and verify with membership strength in them; register newly joined members, confirmed by the Chapter leaders there; and issue memberships cards, period.

Copies of chapter, ward, constituency, regional, national and overseas membership strength will be fully updated and recorded electronically. We will then be cleared of any kind of doubts. OMOV is a change from what we know currently. Therefore any change that is not properly managed will turn monstrous, dangerous, and extremely self-destructive.

OMOV is smooth and not a rush, so please let no man read selfishness into this noble idea. Please leave it to the Idea Champions to work it out. The Idea Champions can easily set the process up within 90 days to allow every eligible member to vote in the December 2009 National Executive Council elections; and the subsequent December 2010 flag bearer contest. Every eligible member must vote; and every eligible member must contest. Obiara-Nto-Bi-Na-Obiara-N'Contest-Bi.

In case I left you in the dark from up front; if the party finds it too expensive to foot the OMOV bill, the Idea Champions have offered to finance the process. To contribute to democracy and be part of freedom for humanity, this author and his team will be more than happy to foot the bill for our beloved party, NPP. Transparency is the key. We are waiting for the voting decision on Saturday, 22 August 2009.

Let us translate our win in Akwatia into our Constitutional win. Please Vote Wisely; Vote Democracy; Vote Discipline; Vote OMOV!

Konongo Fordjour, Boston-USA
E-Mail: koafordjour@yahoo.com

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