Accra, Oct. 16, GNA - The Flag bearer of ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Thursday became the first candidate to file to contest the December 7 Presidential Election when he walked into the Conference Hall of the Electoral Commission (EC) at 1000 hours to present his nomination papers.

The Party also paid the Presidential filling fee of 5,000 Ghana cedis and 500 Ghana cedis for each of the 229 Parliamentary Candidates out of the 230 Constituencies.

It did not file a candidate for Ellembelle Constituency, currently occupied by Convention People's Party (CPP) Candidate Mr Freddie Blay, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament. Dr Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, Chairman of EC and Returning Officer for the Presidential Election, received the papers and examined them in accordance with the rules.

He declared, "based on the statutory declaration form attached to the document which you have signed, I accept your nomination papers and officially declare you as a Presidential Candidate for Election 2008." Nana Akufo-Addo accompanied by Party Executives including Running Mate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, National Chairman Mr Peter Mac Manu, General Secretary Nana Ohene Ntow and later addressing a large crowd of Party supporters who thronged the premises, pledged his commitment to peaceful elections.

Dr Afari-Gyan, told the NPP Flag bearer and leading members of the Party that the acceptance was based on the assumption that the signing of the statutory declaration form meant all was well. He said the Commission would undertake further investigations on the details provided and any false declaration "is a serious criminal offence".

Dr Afari-Gyan said a date for balloting on the position on the ballot paper would be announced later. Nana Akufo-Addo said filing of the nomination papers marked another milestone in Ghana's democratic development and pledged the Party's commitment to promote peaceful transparent election to accelerate development of the country.

He urged EC to ensure credibility of the electoral process as the eyes of the international community was now affixed on Ghana."Ghana deserves credible elections." Nana Akufo-Addo pledged the commitment of the Party to ensure the electoral process was peaceful.

According to the electoral requirements, all candidates contesting the Presidential and Parliamentary elections on December 7, are mandated to sign a statutory declaration affirming their qualification to stand for and be elected for the slot being contested. The statutory declaration is to be made before and certified by either a judge, a judicial officer, notary public, commissioner of oaths, or any person authorised by law to administer an oath. 16 Oct. 08