Rawlings calls on executive to a second look at filling fee

Former President Jerry John Rawlings has expressed concern about the whopping increase in the filing fee for the presidential primaries of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and has appealed to the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to take a second look at the decision.

The Founder of the NDC cautioned that certain actions or decisions could either be a reflection of the circumstances of the NDC’s birth or “mark a departure from where we are coming from as a party”.

“I doubt if anyone of us who has served with integrity, relying on our salaries can raise these filing fees unless we engaged in some unethical behaviour while in office; Unless we abused or misused our positions during our tenure,” the Founder said.

The former President said with the aspirants having barely two weeks to raise the high amount, a perception may be created that the party is being handed over to the highest bidder.

Mr Rawlings made the call when the newly elected National Executive Committee of the party called on him at his Ridge office on Friday.

The party founder advised the National Executive Committee to review their decision and find alternatives to address the legitimate concern of raising funds to finance the presidential elections.

He admonished the newly elected executives to work assiduously to restore the integrity of the party even as they prepare for the uphill task ahead.

The General Secretary of the party, John Asiedu Nketia, assured the founder that the amount set as filing fee was well intended. He mentioned that the filing fee was one of the viable options adopted to assist with the party’s fundraising efforts as it strives to meet the financial challenges of an expanded and deepened democratic electoral process. He stated that the National Executive Committee had taken note of the concerns of the founder and would further explore other fundraising options.

In his opening remarks, the newly elected National Chairman, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, stated that the executive committee had put in place preparatory steps to enable them hit the ground running. He reaffirmed their commitment to the founding values and principles of the NDC and expressed their gratitude to the founder for the opportunity given to some of them to serve the party and country.