CPP National chairman defends flag bearer

Accra, June 5, GNA - The Convention People's Party (CPP) on Thursday refuted media reports of growing agitation within the party to test in the law courts, a Serious Fraud Office (SFO) report that is alleged to have incriminated its Election 2008 flag bearer, Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom.

A statement signed by Mr Ladi Nylander, CPP National Chairman and Leader, said: "The Party's leadership has not discussed this matter recently. The Central Committee of the Party has also not discussed it." The statement therefore called on members and supporters of the Party to desist from actions that would bring the surging fortunes of the CPP down and cast doubt on the credibility of the flag bearer. A GNA report on Monday June 2 quoted a Central Committee source as saying that the party might test alleged incriminating findings of the SFO against the flag bearer in court.

The source said the hierarchy of the party believed that, "it's worth pursuing, considering that it could be damaging to the build-up of the Party if at the last minute, some opposing party takes such action to mar our bright chances or deny the Party a presidential candidate in December."

On June 3, Madam Lucy Anin, Member of the Council of Elders of the CPP, at a press conference called for thorough investigations into the SFO report.

According to Madam Anin, a former CPP Member of Parliament during the Nkrumah regime, "There is the need for Dr. Nduom and the party as a whole to test the report and clear his name before anything happens which would affect the party during the general election." She called on the leadership to purge itself of all doubts and negatives that undermined the party and maintain discipline. However, the CPP statement explained that its flag bearer was not the subject of the SFO investigations.

"It was the State Enterprises Commission (SEC) that was investigated. Dr Nduom was one of the Consultants whose activities and contracts were reviewed by the SFO. Allegations were made against him and other consultants who provided services to SEC. The matter was discontinued and no official report issued."

The CPP statement said the allegations against its flag bearer resurfaced during his vetting in February 2001 for ministerial appointment.

"This led to an extensive review of tax and other records provided. Parliament consequently cleared Dr Nduom to become a Minister of State." The CPP National Chairman therefore assured members that the party had the capacity and capabilities through its qualified legal experts and disciplinary committees to deal with acts that had the potential of discrediting the party and its electoral fortunes. The statement urged members to be resolute and continue to resolve to take the CPP to greater heights and win the December general polls.