Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye
General Secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, has reaffirmed the commitment of the party’s leadership to ensuring a free, fair, peaceful, and transparent election process for the flagbearership race.
He gave the assurance when he received the Vetting Committee’s report yesterday afternoon on behalf of the national leadership of the NPP.
Mr. Frimpong expressed his appreciation to the members of the Vetting Committee, led by their Chairman, Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, for their efforts.
The NPP National Vetting Committee began its work on Monday, July 3, 2023 after 10 applicants successfully filed to contest for the party’s presidential primary election.
Former Trade and Industry Minister, Alan Kwadwo Keyerematen, was the first person that appeared before the nine-member Vetting Committee.
He was followed by energy specialist Kwadwo Poku before Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia took his turn on the hot seat of grilling.
The following day, Messrs Boakye Kyeremanteng Agyarko, Kwabena Agyei Agyapong, and Kennedy Ohene Agyapong took their turns.
Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and Joe Ghartey had their day with the Committee on Wednesday, July 5, while Francis Addai-Nimoh took his turn on Thursday, July 6, 2023.
Each of the aspirants paid a non-refundable fee of GH¢300,000 in addition to meeting other requirements outlined by the party, after having paid GH¢50,000 each for the nomination forms.
Nominations were opened on May 26, 2023 and the NPP set June 24, 2023 as the final day for the official filing of nomination for all prospective candidates.
Earlier, the General Secretary charged the committee to uphold the party’s constitution and ensure a free, fair and transparent vetting process when he inaugurated it.
The National Steering Committee on behalf of the NPP’s National Council appointed the members of the committee in accordance with Article 10(3) (F) (ii) of the party’s constitution.
Members of the Vetting Committee were Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, Frank Davies, Lord Oblitey Commey, Osei Bonsu Amoah, and Adelaide Ahwireng.
Others are Kwasi Amoako-Atta, Stephen Abankwa Sekyere, Hackman Owusu-Agyeman, and Rita Talata Asobayire.
The party’s Director of Elections, Evans Nimako, was appointed Secretary to the committee.
By Ernest Kofi Adu