Latest From Delegates Confab: NPP Leader Collapses Behind Podium

Hafiz Bin Salih, a representative of the Youth of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has just collapsed at the ongoing I5th National Delegates' conference of the party in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional Capital. The Former Minister for Chieftancy and Culture Rev. S.K Boafo had led the opening prayer for the commencement of the conference. The welcome address was over and it was time for the presentation of a message from the youth wing. Hafiz stood behind the podium to deliver the message on behalf of the youth wing of the party. He had barely uttered a word when he collapsed inexplicably behind the podium. Medical personnel has carried him to a nearby hospital to receive medical attention. It is not yet clear what is wrong with Hafiz. Stay logged for further details.... Meanwhile, the seating arrangement for the conference is such that delegates from the various regions are seated in specially allocated places in the VIP stance of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. The platform on which the speeches will be delivered is mounted on the edge of the football pitch facing the delegates and the press. All contestants and senior members of the party are seated in the VVIP stance. Former President J.A Kufuor and the former Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama have arrived at the grounds. Among the numerous party stalwarts who have arrived at the venue are the 2nd Deputy Speaker in parliament, Hon Mike Ocquaye, Minority leader Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, Dep Minority leader Ambrose Dery, Former Finance Minister Yaw Osafo Marfo, and several others. Presidential hopefuls, Nana Akufo Addo and his closest rival Alan Kyeremanteng have also arrived. Alan Keremanteng reportedly visited the venue briefly in a large convoy on Friday night with his supporters before returning home. Although the conference has official begun, several delegates are still outside the stadium going through security checks. Nearly 4,500 delegates are gathering for the historic conference to elect the party�s national officers. It is the first national gathering of delegates of the NPP since the party enlarged its electoral college in August last year. The conference, to be chaired by outgoing party chairman, Peter Mac Manu, is on the theme "Reflect, Rebuild and Recapture Power." Former President J.A. Kufuor, and Minority Leader in Parliament, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, are scheduled to address the conference. Most candidates contesting for various positions in the party have already arrived at the Baba Yara sports stadium. Thirty-two candidates have so far filed their nominations and been vetted to contest for eight national positions at the congress. The positions include the Chairman, First and Second Vice Chairmen, General Secretary, National Organiser, Youth Organiser, Women�s Organiser and Treasurer. Five persons are vying for the position of National Chairman, with a former First National Vice-Chairman, Mr Stephen Ntim, and a former Minister of Tourism, Mr Jake Otanka Obetsebi-Lamptey, emerging as front runners.