UPPER EAST NDC PROPOSES CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT (PAGE 14, DEC 14)

THE Upper East Regional branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has proposed amendments to the party’s constitution that will extend the tenure of office from a period of two years to four years for all party executive members at all levels.
The branch also proposed for the consideration of the national conference the redesignation of the propaganda wing of the party as its communication wing to avoid misinterpretations of its functions.
Another amendment proposed by the conference was the inclusion of the Youth and Women’s Organiser to the branch level executive of the party.
The Regional Secretary of the party, Mr Donatus Akamugri Atanga, announced this at the party’s regional delegate’s conference which also saw the election of new executive to man the affairs of the party.
He said the proposed extension of the term of office for executive when adopted, would give the elected officers more time to execute their respective projects for the party.
He explained that the constant organisation of the party every two years created division as some people campaigned on mudslinging.
“When this happens, we do not have enough time to reconcile our differences before going for another conference. If it is changed to four years, there will be adequate time to resolve those differences and build bridges before the next elections,” he explained.
Touching on the performance of the party over the past four years, Mr Atanga said with hard work and the support of leadership at the constituency to branch levels, the party won eight parliamentary seats out of the 13 seats in the region.
While commending the grassroots members for their hard work and support for the party, he urged them to brace themselves up for bigger challenges in the 2012 general election.
During the election, the incumbent Regional Chairman of the party, Alhaji Mumuni Bolnaba, retained his position when he polled 79 votes as against 21 and 13 votes obtained by his contenders, Dr Robert Akuganaba and Mr Solomon Adambire respectively.
Mr Victor Yahaya won the position of first vice chairman, while Mr Robert Apassanaba secured the post of second regional vice chairman.
Mr Donatus Akamugri Atanga retained the post of Secretary after defeating five others who contested the position, with that of Deputy Secretary going to Mr James Abanka who went unopposed.
The post of regional Treasurer was secured by Alhaji Issah Mumuni, with Mohammed Mashod as his deputy.
Baba Kumasi caused a major upset when he polled 64 votes to topple the incumbent regional organiser Mr David Aruk who had 42 votes.
Mr Issaka Haruna contested the post of deputy organiser unopposed and won after his contender Mr Patrick Amoro had stepped down. The position of Propaganda Secretary went to Mr Bernard Bougzo, while that of Deputy Propaganda Secretary went to Mr Said Ahmed.
Earlier in the week, the youth and women wings of the party also elected Mr Robert Yeleoni and Madam Faustina Teni Abagre as their organisers respectively.
The elected executive were sworn into office by a Member of the National Executive Committee, Madam Hilda Salifu.
Those present at the conference were, the Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo, Minister of Interior and MP for Zebilla, Mr Cletus Avoka, the Presidential Spokesperson Mahama Ayariga, and the MP for Garu-Tempane, Dominic Azumah and a Deputy National Youth Organiser of the NDC, Mr Kofi Adams.
Speaker after speaker urged the followers of the party to remain united and work towards fostering unity and consolidating the fortunes of the party beyond the 2012 general election.