Rawlings On NEC Meeting Without Him: I Wouldn’t Say I’m Surprised; This Has Been The Tendency Anyway

Related Stories   Peacefmonline.com can confirm that the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting currently being held by the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) is without the knowledge of the founder of the party, ex-President Jerry John Rawlings, at least by Mr Rawlings’ assertions. The NDC’s NEC meeting today, is deciding on the future of the party, but its Founder and one-time President and Commander-In-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces is shocked and surprised that the meeting is being held on his blind side. Per the party’s constitution, Mr Rawlings, who is Chairman of the Council of Elders needs to be present or at least be informed of a scheduled NEC meeting. President John Evans Atta Mills died Tuesday, July 24, 2012 and left vacancies, not only at the presidency, but also on the NDC’s presidential ticket. Mr. Dramani Mahama, the former Vice-President, was sworn into office hours later, in accordance with Article 60 (6 -10) of the 1992 Constitution. But the void in the presidential slot of the NDC remain unfilled. Today’s meeting, according to sources, is dealing with the fate of President John Mahama as a possible flagbearer of the party or whether the party will opt to go for another congress to elect a flagbearer. But alas, the founder of the party seems to have been kept in the dark.   Asked by JoyFM’s Elton John Brobbey if he was aware the NDC’s NEC is meeting today on the way forward for the party, a clearly surprised Rawlings could only mutter, “Oh I see!...I’m not aware”. “Are you surprised you are not invited?” the journalist further prodded. “I wouldn’t say I’m surprised; this has been the tendency anyway,” JJ said. Meanwhile, reports received indicate the ruling party may be going to congress on September 1st, 2012. What is also unclear is whether there will be a popular acclamation of John Mahama as flagbearer.

Source: Nana Kwadwo Asante/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana