<<Print>>

Work is in its final stages for the eighth National Delegates Congress of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) scheduled for Saturday, January 16, at the WAEC Hall in Tamale, the Northern Regional capital. "We are happy to confirm that all arrangements are on course and the NDC is ready to hold the congress even today," Mr. Baba Jamal, Deputy General Secretary (Administration) of the party told a press conference in Accra on Wednesday. Some other executive members including Mr. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, National Organiser, and Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Deputy General Secretary (Operations) took turns to explain the level of preparations. Sixty-five candidates have filed their nominations to contest the 10 positions available. They are: two for the National Chairmanship, 18 for Vice Chairman/Chairperson, two for General Secretary, seven for Deputy General Secretary, one for National Organiser, seven for Deputy National Organiser and three for National Treasurer. The rest are, one for Deputy National Treasurer, two for Propaganda Secretary, eight for Deputy Propaganda Secretary and 14 for National Executive Committee. President John Evans Atta Mills and former President Jerry John Rawlings would address the Congress. Mr. Ofosu-Ampofo explained that Tamale was chosen for the congress in appreciation for the massive support of the northern sector to the party and victory during Election 2008. Mr. Jamal said so far the grounds were ready and accommodation for delegates and other invited guests were well secured, while the party was negotiating with the police to ensure adequate security for all participants. He said in addition to the assurance from the police of adequate numbers of personnel on the ground to ensure peace, the party was making its own internal arrangement for a peaceful congress. Mr. Jamal said the national executive committee had expressed appreciation to all the candidates for the peaceful manner they had undertaken their campaigns that had been devoid of acrimony and personal attacks. Meanwhile, the NDC headquarters in Accra would move to Tamale on Thursday, January 14, and operate from there till the end of the congress. The arrival date for the congress is January 15, and the National Executive meeting would take place on the same day. A release from the party's headquarters wished all members and sympathizers a safe journey and the contestants the best of success in the elections. "May the delegates decide in the best interest of the Party," it said.