Candidates vying for various executive positions in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are supposed to be vetted from today, May 17, until Thursday, May 24, 2018.

But sources at the NPP office say the party’s election committee will rather meet today to discuss the vetting process.

At the close of nominations, 43 aspirants had submitted their forms at the party’s headquarters at Asylum Down, Accra, with three – a vice chairman and two youth organizer aspirants – being unable to meet the deadline.

According to Evans Nimako, Secretary of the NPP Elections Committee, five people, including the Acting National Chairman, Freddie Blay, had filed to contest for the chairmanship position.

The four other contestants are Dr. Amoako Baah, Stephen Ntim, David Kankam Boadu and Alhaji Abudul Rahman, popularly called Alhaji Short.

For the 1st, 2nd and 3rd vice chairman positions, seven individuals filed while two filed for general secretary position, with three fighting to become national organizer.

The youth organizer slot has four contestants, while women’s organizer is a straight fight between Kate Gyemfua and Joyce Zempare, with six people slugging it out for treasurer.

Nasara Coordinator recorded the highest number of aspirants (14).

Giving details about the upcoming party elections, Mr Nimako, who is acting Director of Research and Election, said that vetting would take place soon and that the committee would meet today to spell out the modalities.

Candidates trooped in one after the other in the company of their supporters to submit their forms.

The atmosphere was charged and filled with so much excitement.

There were several traditional music groups from the northern parts of Ghana, brass band and local “dzama.”

Traditional dancers dressed in smock with local drums, formed part of the procession, as they beat drums energetically while party faithful danced to the tunes.

Vida Agyekum Acheampong, who is contesting for the position of national vice chairperson, said in a brief interview, “I am coming as the voice of the grassroots. I am coming to raise concerns on the welfare of the people of the party.”

She indicated that as a professionally trained mediator, she would ensure that issues in the party are resolved amicably and appropriate parties involved called upon to facilitate the process.

Madam Vida Agyekum Acheampong dispelled rumours that her candidature does not resonate with members at the grassroots level.

“I am a polling station secretary. I am down there with the people. I will not sit down for someone to come and tell me the views and concerns of the party faithful. I know what their concerns are. I am with them, I am one of them and I am ready to serve them,” she said.