Accra, Oct. 5, GNA – Mr Hassan Ayariga, a businessman, on Wednesday picked a nomination form to contest the flag bearership of the Peoples’ National Congress (PNC) for Election 2012.

The party has fixed November 25-27, for its National Delegates' Congress in the Brong Ahafo Regional capital, Sunyani, to elect a flag bearer and National Executives.

The Party’s headquarters was swarmed with sympathisers of Mr Ayariga, dressed in T-shirts embossed with his portrait.

Visibly delighted Mr Ayariga, the first to pick the Presidential candidate nomination form, commended the media for their immense contribution to deepen democracy.

Mr Ayariga told the Ghana News Agency that his intention to contest the flagbearership was to encourage the youth to actively participate in politics.

He noted that the overwhelming participation of the elderly in politics had necessitated the need to develop strategies to engage the youth in politics.

Mr Ayariga pointed out that quality leadership was not about age but rather courage and dedication were the most needed virtues to turn around an economy characterised by hardships and hopelessness.

He commended the Party for the opportunity to contest the flagbearer slot.

Nomination opened on September 31 and would end on October 20.

Submission of completed nomination forms is slated for October 20 and vetting of potential candidates from October 21.

The PNC National Executive Committee (NEC) has approved a non-refundable fee of GHC1,000 to be paid by flag bearer aspirants and GHC500 for all other national positions.

Filing fees for all aspirants for regional chairmanship positions is GHC100, all other regional officers are to pay GHC50, while with regard to women aspirants, the NEC mandated that they would pay only administrative fees.

Mr Bernard Mornah, General Secretary of PNC, said the Party hoped the initiative by Mr Ayariga would encourage the youth to participate in the democratic process and assume a more responsible role in the Party and the country at large.

He said each contestant would be endorsed by five people who must be members of the executive at the branch, constituency, regional or national levels.

Mr Mornah urged aspirants to be civil in their campaigns.