The New Patriotic Party is set to announce a list of qualifiers to contest its flagbearership for Election 2008 on Friday.

Eighteen persons managed to submit nomination forms and paid the requisite, non-refundable ¢250 million nomination fees.

They include Captain Nkrabeah Effah-Darteh, Nana Akufo-Addo, Dr. Addo Kufuor, Papa Owusu Ankomah, Hackman Owusu Agyeman and Alan Kyerematen.

Others are Felix Owusu Agyepong, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, Dr. Frimpong Boateng, Kobina Arthur Kenney, Kwabena Agyepong, Dan Botwe and Yaw Osafo Maafo.

The rest are Kofi Konadu Apraku, Baafuor Agyei Baawuah, Felix Owusu Agyapong, Jake Otanka Obetsebi Lamptey and Mike Oquaye.

The 19th person, John Kodua, was the only man who failed to beat the deadline for filing nominations, explaining even at the eleventh hour, that he was consulting God for direction.

Qualifiers are due for a mammoth rally on Sunday at Kasoa at which they are expected to sell their programmes to delegates for the party’s December 22 congress.

According to Mr. Lord Commey, National Organiser of the NPP, preparation for the Sunday carnival is far advanced and balloting for which of the aspirants speaks first and at what time has already been completed.

He would however not say who qualified or not to contest the party’s presidential slot, preferring to leave that duty to the Chairman of the Vetting Committee that vetted the applicants, Professor Daniel Adzei Bekoe.

Lord Commey told Joy News that the announcement would be made by close of Friday, adding that Sunday’s event, which will formally introduce the aspirants to delegates, will be an opportunity for the contestants to justify their claim to the post and also showcase the strength and oneness of the party as one ready for victory in 2008.

You can listen to the attached audio for Lord Commey’s comments. He spoke to Joy News’ Matilda Asante.