The Council of Elders of the Convention People's Party (CPP), has noted with great concern, the high rate of the filling fees, purported to have been fixed by the National leadership. A statement, issued by the Chairman of the Council, Comrade Kweku Amoa-Awuah, on Saturday, said the recent protests emanating from several branches and individuals of the party, notably, Ashanti Region, concerning the fees, "has prompted this statement". It said the official release of nomination fees to be paid by aspirants to executive positions in the CPP across board, has sparked vehement protests by some members, over the astronomical increase in filling fees and the introduction of nomination fees for ward, constituency and regional executives. "A case under reference is that of the "Chairmen of the 39 constituencies of the CPP in the Ashanti Region, whose rejection, in stronger terms, of the National leadership of the CPP's extravagant election filling fees published in the national newspaper". "Many more protest activities, letters and notices have been flying about indicating that the rank and file of the grassroots Nkrumaists is not happy with the decision of the Central Committee, on the nomination fees." It said, in reaction to the complaints of the rank and file of the party on the exorbitant charges they are asked to pay as nomination fees, the Council is of the view that nomination fees must reflect the philosophy and ideology of the CPP. "On this note we totally reject any actions, which have the resemblance of capitalist tendencies". "The CPP believes in and cherishes the principles of self determination, social justice and Pan-Africanism. It is therefore, totally unacceptable for anybody to introduce capitalist principles into the party". The Council said there should have been some consultations amongst all stakeholders of the party including the Council of Elders, before such a major decision was taken. "We know that the national executive have not provided any logistics to the constituencies and regions to organize the structures, under their respective jurisdiction. The Council therefore, in its capacity as advisors and custodians of the party strongly feels unable to lend their support to this decision of the National leadership to charge such exorbitant fees", the statement said. "We therefore, support the resolution of the Ashanti Regional Chairmen and their opposition to the proposed fees to be charged as nomination fees for the executive positions in the party". The Council advised the leadership to withdraw the fees in the supreme interest of equity and fairness, peace, tranquility and unity in the party. We further advise that there should be consultations between the leadership of the CPP and Council of Elders on all major issues. The Council of Elders suggests that for the re-organisation and effective mobilization of funds for the party, each contestant from lower level to national executive level should pay fully, its membership dues from 2008 to date. Similarly, all card carrying members should be made to pay their membership dues for the same period. The statement said, since this matter has been given wide publicity in the media, the Council of Elders is of the opinion that a copy of the fore going should be sent to the media to clear the air. Source: GNA