Accra, Nov. 25, GNA - The ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Wednesday postponed its national delegates congress scheduled for Tamale in December, to January 15-17, 2010.

The National Youth Congress has also been rescheduled to January 8-9, 2010 in Sunyani, whilst the National Women's Congress is rescheduled to January 8-9, 2010 in Winneba. Briefing the press in Accra on the decision of the National Executive Committee (NEC), Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, NDC General Secretary said declaration of candidature and commencement of campaign would start on December 1.

He said NEC had fixed 2,500 Ghana cedis as fees to be paid by contestants of the position of National Chairman, 2,000 Ghana cedis for those vying for the National Vice Chairman and General Secretary slots. The rest are: 1,500 Ghana cedis for Deputy General Secretary and National Organiser; 1,000 Ghana cedis for all those contesting for Propaganda Secretary, National Treasurer, National Youth Organiser and National Women's Organiser.

All the five NEC members and other deputy positions seekers would also pay 500 Ghana cedis each.

Mr Asiedu Nketiah said NEC also approved revised guidelines for the conduct of the national elections and directed all contestants to obtain copies at the regional offices of the party. He directed that all regional elections should be completed by December 20, and reminded Constituency Executives of Article 19 (2) of the NDC Constitution "which mandates the holding of regional congress so long as two thirds of the constituencies in the region have organised their congress". "I urge all executives of constituencies yet to hold congresses to double their efforts to avoid their constituencies being disenfranchised at both the regional and national elections," he said. The NEC expressed concern about few cases of aggrieved members resorting to court actions or media publications without exhausting the internal grievance procedures of the party.

"This behaviour is clearly in contravention of Article 40(3) of the NDC Constitution. NEC hereby directs that all such party members should re-direct their actions from the courts of law to the internal structures of the party first or be subjected to the disciplinary action at the appropriate levels." 25 Nov. 09