The Convention People's Party (CPP) has postponed its Third National Delegates' Congress, originally slated for November 24, to December 15, this year because of "operational drawbacks".

This is the third time the party is postponing its Congress after an earlier postponement from August 31 to September 1, this year.

A Central Committee source told the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Tuesday that the postponement was due to the inability of regional and constituency officials to complete ward and constituency elections, which is a prerequisite for the National Congress.

Professor Nii Noi Dowuona, CPP General Secretary, told the Ghana News Agency that about 2,500 delegates would be attending the Congress.

The number is made up of nine delegates each from the 230 constituencies, representatives from the Central Committee, Council of Elders, Founding Members and the overseas branches.

Delegates are expected to elect a presidential candidate and national executive officers made up of Chairman, three Vice Chairmen, General Secretary, Treasurer, Organizer, Women Organizer and Youth Organizer.

Those aspiring for the presidential slot are Professor Agyemang Badu Akosa, former Director-General of Ghana Health Service, Dr Kwaku Osafo, an Economist, Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, former Minister of Public Sector Reforms, Mr Bright Akwetey, a Lawyer, Dr F. W. A. Akuffo, a Medical Practitioner and Mr George Aggudey, Chief Executive of Gold Crest Securities.

Those contesting for the position of National Chairman are Dr Edmund N. Delle, the incumbent chairman, Mr Ladi Nylander, a leading member of the Party and Mr Iddrisu Egala, Chartered Accountant.

Seven Officers are vying for the three slots for the National Vice Chairperson. They are Mr Eric Benyarko, Professor Nii Noi Dowuona, Ms Araba Bentsi Enchil, Mr Oteng Anane, Dr Abu Sakara, Mr Chris Yao Zigah and Mr Kojo Armah.

Those vying for General Secretary position are Mr Michael Kosi Dedey, Mr Michael Nunoo, Mr Ivor Kobina Greenstreet, Mr Serchen Komba and Mr Ekow Duncan.

Those who have filed to contest for the position of National Treasurer are Dr Adolf Lutterodt, Naa Kordai Asimeh, Mr Mike Eghan and Nii Otu Okunnor.

Majia Hamdattu Haruna and Ms Rose Anim are contesting for the position of National Women's Organiser while Mr James Kwabena Bomfeh, Mr Francis Opai Tetteh and Mr Kofi Baidoo are contesting for National Youth Organiser.

The contestants for the position of National Organizer are Ms Evelyn Anabila, Mr Amankwaa Appiah and Mr Henry Nii Abossey Thomspon.

The deputies would be appointed by the Central Committee after the congress.

Prof. Dowuona urged the contestants, as well as supporters and party members to exercise restraint before, during and after the elections.

"I expect us to come back from Congress united than we went in, as we have a bigger battle ahead of us that calls for unity."

The CPP General Secretary urged delegates, contestants and the supporters to be guided by the supreme interest of the Party and vote for candidates with merit, skills and commitment to lead the party.

The Congress is also expected to amend the Party's Constitution, adopt strategies for the next general election, and discuss the national economy and other national and international issues.


Source: GNA