General News of Tuesday, 5 May 2009

Source: GNA

NDC condemns "vote-buying" for MMDCE confirmation

Accra, May 5, GNA - The National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Tuesday condemned attempts at vote-selling and vote-buying, which had allegedly characterized the confirmation process of nominees for the position of Chief Executive in some district, municipal and metropolitan assemblies.

The Party also called on the security agencies to investigate all such allegations thoroughly and to promptly prosecute those who might be found culpable.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra, Mr Johnson Asiedu-Nketia, General Secretary of the NDC, said the Party detested acts of corruption and would fight it even at the grassroots levels. The press conference followed allegations that some runners-up during the vetting of nominees by the President were engaging in acts to derail the approval of nominees with the hope that they would be next in line for nomination.

Mr Asiedu-Nketia said the Party promised to respect the verdict of the masses in all elections and reminded all Regional Ministers, Regional and Constituency Executives of the Party to keep to the promise.

He urged all runners-up to the nominees to desist from deliberate acts of sabotage to derail the approval of the President's nominees. He reminded traditional rulers that; "we are all first and foremost Ghanaians and that no one should be prevented from serving the people in any part of the country and in any capacity on account of his religion or ethnic background". 5 May 09