Ghana Convention People's Party Goes to Congress At Last

Kwame Nkrumah in Convention People's Party poster. The party was formed by Nkrumah on June 12, 1949 with 60,000 members and supporters in attendance in Accra, then known as the capital of the Gold Coast., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

CPP goes to congress at last

Barring any unforeseen hiccups, the Trade Fair Site in Accra will tomorrow, Saturday, September 9, 2011, play host to the Convention Peoples Party (CPP), as the Cockerel summons its faithful to congress to elect national officers.

The party has had to postpone its congress three consecutive times this year alone, due to organisational challenges. The Congress was initially scheduled for April 29th and 30th, but was postponed to May 27th – May 29th, and later to June ending, before party officials settled on the present date.

More than 2,000 delegates, drawn from across the country, are expected to revive the good old memories of the CPP some five decades ago.

Four leading members are contesting for the chairmanship of the party. Ms Samia Yaba Nkrumah, daughter of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, first President of the Republic of Ghana, is vying for the post to re-enact the era of her father, as the leading light in the CPP.

Samia is the only sitting Member of Parliament (MP) in the Cockerel Family. She represents the Jomoro constituency.

Confronting the daughter of the Founder of the party are Professor Edmund N. Delle, former Chairman, Mr. Ladi Nylander, current Chairman, and Ms Araba Bentsi-Enchill, currently a Vice Chairman of the party.

Six candidates vying for the Vice Chairmanship position are Ms Rodaline Ayarna, Mr. Ibrahim M. Seidu, Mrs. Susan Adu Amankwah, Mr. William Nana Buckman, Mr. Oteng Anane, and Mr. Kojo Armah.

Those contesting for the General Secretary slot are Nii Armah Akomfrah, Ivor Kwabena Greenstreet, and Mr. Ekow Duncan, whilst Mr. Kosi Dedey and Mr. Seth Gomnah are contesting for the National Treasurer slot.

For the National Organiser position are Ms Evelyn Alamisi Anabilla, Mr Appiah Amankwah and Abu Forgor, whilst Hajia Hamdatu Ibrahim-Haruna, Mrs. Mary Ankumah Boakye-Boateng and Ms Aisha Sulley Futa are contesting for the position of National Women Organiser.

Mr. Murtala Mohammed, Mr. Francis Opai Tetteh and Mr. Issifu Kadiri Abdul Rauf are vying for the National Youth Organiser slot.

The CPP has, over the years, been trying hard to make a meaningful impression on the political landscape, after settling for third choice for years, and managing only one percent in the last parliamentary election, since the return to Constitutional rule in 1993.

Source: Ghanaian Chronicle
Story from Modern Ghana News:
http://www.modernghana.com/news/349922/1/cpp-goes-to-congress-at-last.html

Published: Friday, September 09, 2011