Race To Lead NPP; 5 Disqualified

The vetting committee of New Patriotic Party (NPP) has disqualified five aspirants from contesting for various positions in the party's upcoming congress to select national executives. The five: Fred Amakwah Sarfo, Hajia Fatima, and Philomena Serwah Akoto (who were all vying for Vice-Chairmanship positions), Kamal Abdulai (who was contesting for Nasara Coordinator) and a fifth person who has not been named, have until Monday, Fenruary 17, 2014, to appeal against the decision of the vetting committee. The party on Thursday concluded the vetting of 44 aspirants including six incumbent executives (seeking re-election), for a total of eight positions. It released the results of the vetting Friday, disqualifiying the five. The party has suspended planned its balloting for positions on the ballot paper. Director of Elections for the NPP Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah told Joy News the decision was taken after the party received a petition against the candidature of Paul Afoko, who is running for chairman. "Some five people have been asked not to go...I am unable to name those who were not successful," Mr. Adjei Mensah-Korsh told Joy News Joseph Opoku Gakpo. Mr. Adjei Mensah-Korsah said that the balloting could not come of "because of circumstances beyond our control". He however said, "the unsuccessful aspirants have the right to file an appeal on Monday February 17, latest 4pm". He said vetting for Mr. Paul Afoko, will continue next week. Joseph opoku-Gakpo also reports that the committee is deliberating on the petition filed against the candidature of Mr. Paul Afoko. The petitioners who are not known, have reportedly claim Mr. Afoko does not qualify to run as party chair because he once served a jail term in the United Kingdom.