By Rebecca Asheley Amarh / Christine Naadu Lartey
Tema, Jan. 31, GNA – Mr Yohane Amarh Ashitey, a former Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, has commended the national leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for allowing former political appointees to participate in the party’s internal elections.
Mr Ashitey, speaking with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at the Tema East constituency’s polling centre for the party’s presidential primary, described the move as a boost to internal democracy.
According to him, the decision would deepen democratic practice within the party by promoting inclusiveness and a sense of belonging among members who had previously served in government.
Mr Ashitey acknowledged that the decision had generated some controversy but stressed that such disagreements were normal in political processes and would not divide the party.
“Challenges will arise in every democratic exercise, but we believe that after the process, peace will prevail and the party will unite,” he said.
Touching on security arrangements, Mr Ashitey said security personnel had been deployed adequately at polling centres to ensure the smooth conduct of the exercise.
He also dismissed allegations of vote buying, explaining that any money given to delegates was meant to cover transportation costs rather than to influence voting decisions.
“People travelled from different homes to vote, and what was provided was simply to support their transportation, not to buy votes,” he stated.
Meanwhile, a calm atmosphere was observed at the Twedaase JHS centre serving the Tema East constituency.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Kenneth Odeng Adade