Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson has commended delegates of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for their conduct during the party’s constituency elections across the region, describing the peaceful process as a step in the right direction for the party’s growth.
The elections, held across all 17 constituencies in the Western Region, are aimed at electing executives to strengthen the party’s grassroots structures and coordinate its activities ahead of future political engagements.
Mr Nelson, who visited some polling centres to observe the exercise, expressed satisfaction with the progress of voting and the conduct of delegates.
He congratulated party members for their comportment and urged all aspirants to remain united after the polls, stressing that internal elections should strengthen rather than divide the party.
He described the peaceful conduct of the exercise as consistent with the NDC’s democratic principles and philosophy, adding that unity among members was essential to the party’s continued growth.
In the Ahanta West Constituency, 55 aspirants are contesting various executive positions, with two positions going unopposed.
The constituency’s Research and Elections Officer, Papa Adjobeah Acquah, said adequate arrangements had been made to ensure a smooth voting process.
He explained that delegates were required to present their identification cards for verification before voting and cautioned them against taking photographs of their ballot papers.
According to him, voting was organised according to electoral areas, with delegates expected to cast their ballots when their respective areas were called.
Mr Acquah said the constituency had 1,647 expected voters, although the actual turnout could be lower because some registered voters had died.
Seventeen executive positions were initially expected to be contested, but the Deputy Youth Organiser and Zongo Caucus Coordinator positions went unopposed.
The chairmanship, vice-chairmanship and women’s organiser positions each attracted four aspirants, while three candidates are contesting each of the substantive organiser, treasurer and deputy communications officer positions.
Other positions attracted between two and three candidates, while 16 aspirants are contesting the eight-member Other Executive category.
Mr Acquah expressed confidence in the arrangements for the elections and urged delegates to comply with the guidelines governing the exercise.
The constituency elections form part of the NDC’s internal democratic process to elect leaders who will mobilise members, strengthen party structures and advance its political agenda at the grassroots level.
By Ebenezer Atiemo
