Rawlings: NDC founder, no more leader

The National Executive Committee of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has approved an amendment to the party’s constitution for seperation of founder from leader. The committee’s approval means that Jerry Rawlings will keep his position as founder and relinquish that of leader. The amendments will, however have to be endorsed by the delegates’ congress, scheduled for Saturday, April 27. The committee however failed to reach a concensus on whether or not to maintain the position of co-chairmanship, which is at the very core of the success or collapse of the biggest opposition party in the country.

As part of efforts to reorganise the party, which tasted its first defeat in the year 2000 elections, it was recommended that only one person should chair the party. But implementing the decision now, could either make or break the party due to the animosity between supporters of the two main contenders of the chairmanship – Dr Obed Asamoah and Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu.

Sources close to the excutive told JOY FM that there were heated exchanges during Thursday’s meeting, but in a cordial atmosphere, raising hopes of a party that is gradually tilting towards a united front. The meeting however failed to take a decision on whether to amend the party’s constitution to abolish the position of co-chairmen.

Although this has been part of earlier proposed amendments, latest developments in the party, have necessitated its maintenance. The proponents of the idea, the NDC youth forum and some leading members, including regional chairmen want to avert further divisions in the party after congress.

The aggressive posture of Dr Asamoah and Alhaji Iddrisu is the cause for concern. Both men command huge support in the party and there are fears that if either of them is selected as sole chairman, the losing faction might break away from the NDC. Some leading members have threatened to walk out should the congress fail to adopt the proposal to maintain the co-chairmanship. According to party sources, the decision date has been postponed to next week pending further consultation.