Recent media reports say there is a power struggle within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as it gears up for a national congress on the 25th of August. The reports say some top officials in the party have formed power blocs to ensure that their favourites win the party’s top positions. These reports by the media was confirmed by the appointment of a Political Scientist and University Lecturer, Professor Mike Ocquaye as an ambassador in an attempt to prevent him from contesting for the NPP top post of National Chairman.
Professor Ocquaye who was until recently in strong contention for the post had toured the ten regions to drum in support for his candidature. But in separate interviews with the “Daily Graphic” and the “Evening News”, the University lecturer said he was summoned by the President and told to opt out of the race for the National Chairman.
Professor Ocquaye who says he wanted to contest for the National Chairmanship position in order to serve the party and nation says he is a loyalist and will not want to be at the centre of any controversy, thus his decision to accept what the President told him.
However in an interview with JOYFM, the General Secretary of the NPP, Mr Dan Botwe dismissed suggestions that the appointment of Prof. Mike Ocquaye as a diplomat is an attempt to stop him from contesting for the chairmanship of the party.
According to him, President Kufuor has no hand in choosing the next executive of the party. Mr Botwe explained that 23 people have so far picked forms at the offices of for the various positions but only three have return their forms.
According to him, until August 11, which is the deadline for the submission of forms, nobody can claim that he has been asked to step down, since the party does not as yet know the people who will file their nominations to contest for the various positions.
Source: GhanaWeb
