Public Agenda.

The Public Agenda says in a screaming front page headline that: "December NDC Congress...Rawlings to be leader for life.....Greater central control, constituencies lose power" According to the Public Agenda, President Jerry Rawlings is to be named 'founder and leader' of the NDC as part of far-reaching changes to the party's constitution which are under discussion.

The paper says the creation of the new, unique and powerful position is the clearest indication yet of Rawlings' intended political life after 2000, and seeks to formalise the fact of Rawlings personal dominance of the NDC. "We have learnt that the proposals are being discussed by the party's legal sub-committee which includes Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Obed Asamoah, Local Government and Rural Development Minister, Mr. Kwamena Ahwoi and First Deputy Speaker, Mr. Ken Dzirasah" says the Public Agenda. The paper says the sub-committee's finished work will be forwarded to the NDC national executive committee for possible consideration by the party congress scheduled for 10th December. The Public Agenda says the proposed 'constitutionalisation' of President Rawlings' command over the NDC is the highlight of changes which strengthen the power of central organs over the rank and file and at the expense of grassroots structures. Other proposed amendments cover the selection of presidential and parliamentary candidates and the election of party officers. GRi