Bolgatanga, Aug. 6, GNA - The Bolgatanga Constituency Executive of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Youth Wing are engaged in a tussle over which of the two candidates should be given the nod to contest the parliamentary seat in Election 2004.

The two candidates are Dr Agesika Agambilla, Deputy Minister of Ports, Harbours and Railways and Mr Rex Asanga, an Assembly Member for Kulbia Electoral Area.

The Constituency Executives are accusing the Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Rockson Bukari, of siding with some members of the Youth Wing to intimidate them in order that they agree to support his favourite candidate, Mr Asanga.

But the Youth Wing rejected the claim at a news conference at Bolgatanga on Thursday

"There is no iota of truth in the allegation that the MCE has recruited macho men to beat up the Constituency Executives. "The Constituency Executive have resorted to manipulating the list of delegates by removing 22 names out of the 121-member Electoral College and inserting names of non-members."

Addressing the press conference, Mr Regis Adongo, a member of the youth wing, described as discriminatory and unconstitutional the stance of the Constituency Executive against Mr Asanga's decision to contest the primaries.

Mr Adongo said Mr Asanga has the support of the youth and that "his popularity has forced the constituency executive to take an antagonistic stand against him and whoever associates with him." He wondered why the Constituency Chairman, Secretary and the Women Organizer who have constituted themselves into a the campaign team of Dr Agambilla should turn round to accuse the MCE of doing the same thing for Mr Asanga.

Mr Adongo cautioned the Constituency Executives to be circumspect in their utterances and claims.

"We wish to assure the delegates whose names have been replaced that we the Youth Executive would continue to support them in their legitimate fight for the right thing to be done."