Scores of supporters at NDC vetting in Upper East

Scores of supporters of parliamentary aspirants of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) accompanied their candidates on motorbikes, bicycles, cars and buses to the precincts of the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council to witness the vetting of their candidates for the impending parliamentary primaries scheduled for November 7.

The vetting, which was done amid heavy security, started at 8 a.m with a team from the national headquarters and the regional leadership of the party.

Out of a total of 48 aspirants who have filed in 15 constituencies to contest the NDC parliamentary primaries in the region, 43, including three women, have been vetted and cleared.

The three women are the District Chief Executive for Nabdam, Madam Vivian Anafo, Dr Vida Nyagre, a lecturer at the University for Development Studies to contest the Nabdam constituency and Hajia Laadi Ayii Ayamga, the incumbent Member of Parliament for the Pusiga constituency.

The incumbent Member of Parliament for Navrongo Central and Minister of the Interior, Mr Mark Owen Woyongo, was not available for vetting as he was out of the country on official duties while his main contender, Mr Peter Kaba, withdrew after the first round of vetting.

The results of three aspirants for the Chiana-Paga constituency was withheld pending further investigations of petitions against some of them.

In all, four candidates were vetted in Bolgatanga Central, three in Bolgatanga East, one in Navrongo Central, three in Chiana-Paga, three in Bawku Central, five in Garu, two in Tempane, three in Binduri, two in Pusiga, three in Builsa South, two in Builsa North, one in Talensi, four in Nabdam, four in Zebilla and six in Bongo.

The vetting team, which was led by the General Secretary of the party, Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, included the Vice Chairperson, Mrs Betty-Mould Iddrisu, a National Executive Committee (NEC) member, Alhaji Sumaila Mahama, the Director of Research, Dr William Ahadzie, Deputy National Communications Officer, Mr Kwaku Boahen, Deputy Youth Organiser, Mr Kobby Barlon, the National Women’s Organiser, Hajia Joyce Zenabu Mahama and the leadership of the party in the region.

An aspirant of the Builsa South constituency and a Presidential Staffer at the Office of the President, Dr Clement Apaak said the party could only win the constituency if he was given the nod to contest the 2016 elections.

Dr Apaak said the NDC had what it took to retain the seat come 2016.

He rejected claims by the General Secretary of the People’s National Convention (PNC),Mr Bernard Mornah, that it was not fair for the NDC to field a candidate in the constituency and explained that the NDC had no agreement with the PNC concerning the seat.

He, therefore, called on delegates to elect him to represent them in 2016 but cautioned his supporters to desist from politics of insults.