Kumasi, Oct. 3, GNA - The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Wednesday suggested that constituencies should be allowed to hold congresses to select delegates to attend the upcoming national delegates' congress to elect the party's presidential candidate. Mr Kofi Asante, KNUST branch chairman of the NPP, said at a press conference in Kumasi that it was about time the Danquah/Busia tradition made elections open, transparent, free and fair in order not to repeat the mayhem caused in 1979 that led to the division of the party. He said as stated by the party's constitution, four of the delegates to national congress are to be chosen from the constituency executive. Mr Asante said party members in the constituency should fairly and transparently elect the remaining instead of the current arrangement where the constituency chairman handpicks people to attend the congress. This would help prevent rancour, irregularities and perceived corruption that may characterize the national delegates conference. The call by the KNUST branch of the NPP comes in the wake of allegations that some presidential aspirants are bribing some constituency executives.

Some of the constituency chairmen are alleged to be selecting their cronies to attend the national delegates' congress.

Mr Asante said to "avoid doubt that may stem from the cheating or playing favouritism by constituency chairmen, who may want to hand pick their cronies, hangers' on, sycophants or bootlickers", the selection must be supervised by the Regional Executive of the party. He said this method would not only help ensure transparency at the congress but would also help produce "well balanced, soul searching and upright delegates who will be mindful of the pitfalls if the wrong choice is made."

Mr Charles Kwadwo Appiah, a leading member of the party in the constituency, called on the presidential aspirants not to make promises they could not fulfil.

He said their campaign messages should be convincing and be directed at their supporters.