Ho, April 22, GNA - Sixty-five aspirants the highest during the Fourth Republic would contest the National Democratic Congress (NDC) primaries in the Volta region this year.

Mr Francis Ganyaglo, Volta Regional Secretary of the Party, speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Ho attributed this development to "zeal, enthusiasm and growing democracy" in the country. He said primaries had been held in 13 out of the 22 constituencies in the region and rest would be held in May.

Mr Ganyaglo said so far two incumbent Members of Parliament in the region had lost their seats in the primaries. Dr Kwame Ampofo MP for South-Dayi lost to Mr Edem Asimah, a Public Servant and Mr John Gyapong Kwadwo, MP for Kadjebi Akan also lost to Mr Joseph Ofori a businessman.

Mr Ganyaglo said one of the two aspirants contesting in Ho-Central Constituency had been cleared. He said Captain George Nfodjo (Rtd), the incumbent MP had been cleared while the Volta Regional Executive Committee was waiting for the National Executive Committee to decide on the eligibility of Mr Ben Eleblu the other aspirant.

"As at now the process of background check on Mr Eleblu is on-going," he added. Mr Ganyaglo urged activists of the Party to remain calm and not act on speculation, rumours and allegations with regard to the primaries in the region.

He pointed out that any aspirant for the primaries would be subjected to internal democratic processes of the Party to ensure the most suitable candidates were elected. 22 April 08