The prospects of followers of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) hoping to see their Founder grace its extra-ordinary Congress on Thursday in Kumasi now hangs in the balance, as speculations that Mr. Jerry John Rawlings had confirmed his participation have flatly been denied.

Speaking to Peace Fm in Accra on Wednesday, the Spokesperson of the former president, Kofi Adams, said Mr. Rawlings was yet to confirm his participation, indicating that the earlier rumour was a hoax, and urged the public to disregard it.

“As I speak with you (referring to the host) now the former president has not confirmed his participation and when that is done the public will be aware, so for now a programme of that sort is not on his itinerary,” he added.

The General Secretary of the party, Johnson Asiedu Nketia had told reporters at the party's headquarters in Accra on Wednesday that, the former president would attend the event and possibly address delegates for proceedings to commence.

“By 8.50a.m., we expect all delegates to be properly seated before the arrival of President Rawlings, and the Vice President and President Mahama will follow in that order,” Mr. Asiedu Nketia is reported to have said.

Mr. Rawlings have not been in good terms with late President Mills and the national executives of the party since the party won power in 2008, and have on several occasions accused government officials of corruption and incompetence.

The congress will however see the party endorse President John Mahama as the party's flag bearer for the impending 2012 general elections, following the sudden demise of Professor John Evans Atta Mills in July.