A former first lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, on Tuesday appeared before the Vetting Committee of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to justify herself as a potential flag bearer of the party for the 2012 general election. Mrs. Rawlings arrived at the NDC Headquarters flanked by members of the Friends of Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings (FONKAR). The vetting, which started rather late as a result of the late arrival of the former First Lady, was held behind closed doors. After about an hour and a half of drilling and questioning, Mrs. Rawlings emerged, ostensibly pleased with the process, with one exception. “It took a rather longer time than I expected,” she told the press, she added that, however, “the questions were fair”. According to her, the issues brought up by the six-member committee were based on “a way forward for the party”. She said her next steps were to continue with her tour of the country in preparation for the July 8 NDC congresses to elect a flag bearer. The Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Mr. Kofi Adams, who doubles as the Spokesperson for the Rawlingses, said the vetting process, was a “mere formality” which had to be gone through to ensure that the various candidates were capable of leading the party to victory in 2012 presidential election. He was of the belief that Mrs. Rawlings was a “competent leader”. However, the occasion was not without controversy, as a misunderstanding broke out between two groups perceived to be from the camps of Mrs. Rawlings and President Mills. Security men present, however, managed to calm the situation. The six-member committee, chaired by Alhaji Issifu Ali, a former Co-chairman of the NDC, is expected to drill the two flag bearer aspirants of the party on their grasp of the party’s philosophy, ideology, as well as personal visions to ensure that the party retains the Presidency in 2012. Other members of the committee are Dr (Mrs.) Mary Grant, a member of the Council of Elders of the party; Mr. Cletus Avoka, the Majority Leader in Parliament; Mr. Larry Adjetey, a member of the NDC Legal Committee; Mr. Lionel Mobilia, a former Upper East Regional Minister, and Mr. Chris Ackumey, a leading member of the party. The vetting committee has the power to recommend the disqualification of either of the aspirants. President Mills is expected to appear before the committee today. Source: Daily Graphic