Takoradi, (Central Region) 7 Oct.,
Participants at a public forum on the 1992 Political Parties Law in Takoradi have called for the establishment of a Political Parties Common Fund to further enhance democracy in the country. Although there was a consensus on the institution of the fund to be managed by the state in consultation with the various political parties, the participants failed to agree on how to generate the funds and its allocation. There were divergent views on the number of parties the state can fund and the ceiling on spending. While some of the participants want the number of parties the state can sponsor pegged at four, others felt such a provision will be inconsistent with the democratic aspirations of the nation. Awulae Annor Adjaye, Omanhene of Western Nzema Traditional Area who chaired the function, supported the establishment of the fund in addition to the issuing of identity cards to all Ghanaians of voting age. He commended members of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) who attended the function especially, Mr. Vincent Assisseh of the National Democratic Congress and representatives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the level of maturity exhibited. Some of the participants felt the need for aliens and business concerns to contribute to the fund. Two of them, however, think that this would undermine the sovereignty of the nation. There was disagreement among participants about the use of former party names, slogans and symbols. While some argued that it would lead to constant friction, especially among the Nkrumaist family, others felt the current provision should stand. The forum is part of an ongoing public hearing being organised by the National Electoral Commission to collate views on the 1992 political parties decree. The Takoradi forum is the eighth in the series.
