Alhaji Bamba loses at primaries

Wenchi (B/A), Aug. 24, GNA - Alhaji Mouktar Musa Bamba, Member of Parliament (MP) for Wenchi East on Tuesday lost the New Patriotic Party (NPP) primaries in the Constituency and immediately declared his intention to stand as an independent candidate.

He polled 35 votes as against 56 collected by Professor George Djan Baffour, Director General of the National Development Planning Commission, in the election held at Wenchi to select the Party's Parliamentary Candidate for Election 2004.

"NPP cannot do away with Bamba", the former Deputy Minister of Presidential Affairs, said and told newsmen that he would go solo but would still render services to the Party.

Officials of the Electoral Commission led by the Regional Director, Mr Amadu Sulley conducted the election, which was observed by Regional and Constituency Executives of the Party, as well as a large number of supporters of both candidates.

The tension surrounding the elections attracted quite a number of helmeted Policemen but there was no incident. Bamba's supporters attempted to create commotions soon after the results were announced but it was quickly contained.

Victorious Prof. Baffour, 53, called on the Party members and supporters to remain united in spite of the results so that it could win both the Presidential and Parliamentary elections in the constituency.

"I hope it's going to be an easy win for the NPP", he said. After the election Mr Kwadwo Yeboah Fordjour, Brong Ahafo Regional Chairman of the Party appealed to Alhaji Bamba and his supporters to support the Professor to enable the Party to win Election 2004.

Present were Mr Prince Oduro-Mensah, MP for Techiman South and Mr Joe Danquah, Wenchi District Chief Executive.