Presidential aspirant Kwabena Agyei Agyapong, has dismissed as “nonsensical” a proposed GH¢4 million development fee reportedly being enforced in the New Patriotic Party’s upcoming presidential primaries.
Speaking in an interview on Oyerepa TV monitored by Kumasimail, Mr. Agyapong said he has formally written to the party’s election committee demanding explanations over the fee, which he insists has no constitutional basis.
“I have written to them because what they are doing is not legal as far as the party’s constitution is concerned. We all agreed that picking of forms costs GH¢100,000 and filing is GH¢500,000, making GH¢600,000 in all. That alone is not small money. Even the Electoral Commission charged GH¢100,000 for a national election, so we considered GH¢600,000 significant but acceptable,” he stated.
He cautioned, however, that any additional attempt to increase the financial burden on aspirants could harm the party’s image.
“Some people want to push the monetization higher. I said, hey, Ghanaians are watching us. What message are we sending? That in the NPP, unless you are rich, you cannot contest for the flagbearer position? This is not right. They should be careful,” he warned.
When the host asked directly whether the much-talked-about GH¢4 million development fee was true, Mr. Agyapong replied,“That is exactly what I am seeking clarification on. It was not part of the official booklet, so I am waiting for their response to my letter.”
He also rejected suggestions that the party’s National Council holds the mandate to determine such a fee.
“According to our constitution, the National Council has no role in fixing figures like this,” he argued
Pressed further on whether he had already paid the fee as part of filing his nomination, Mr. Agyapong clarified: “No. I paid only what was approved by the national executives GH¢600,000. I have also written to them about this development fee and I’m waiting for their reply.”
The NPP presidential election is scheduled for January 31, and Mr. Agyapong insisted all aspirants and stakeholders must collectively monitor the process to ensure fairness.
Source: www.Kumasimail/Kwadwo Owusu
