Kumasi, Oct. 8, GNA - Some supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Bantama constituency have petitioned the National Executive to nullify the recently held polling station election in the area, citing intimidation and lack of transparency.

They claimed the election to pick the polling station officers was neither free nor fair and must therefore not be allowed to stand. They claimed thee exercise was a complete sham and an imposition In their petition, they said anything short of a re-run, supervised by the Regional Executive, would result into something nasty. The group warned of chaos, serious confrontation and a possible crack in the front of the NPP should the leadership fail to act quickly. They accused the constituency Chairman, Mr Kwabena Kokofu, of abuse and manipulation of the process in pursuit of a hidden political agenda.

They questioned the party credentials of some individuals they alleged have been foisted on the polling stations by the Chairman and mentioned one Osei Kwabena who, they said, is a National Democratic Congress (NDC) mole.

Mr Kokofu when reached on telephone denied the allegations and said they were without merit.

"The election was open, fair and credible. I find it difficult to rationalize why anybody would want to find fault with such as a successful exercise."

He said the processes leading to the polls in the area last Saturday were transparent and done in strict conformity with the party's rules and regulations.

"I deserve commendation for good job done." He said it was refreshing that about 60 per cent of the old polling station officers retained their positions and that with the infusion and release of new energies into the party's grassroots structures, the Bantama NPP Constituency has now been rejuvenated. Mr Kokofu said the accusations are part of a continuing smear campaign by his detractors. 08 Oct 09