24 File To Contest NPP Elections In Upper West

Twenty-four people from all the ethnic groups in the Upper West Region have filed their nominations to vie for the top positions of the regional branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Since the close of nominations last weekend, the race has become keener and more exciting with the contestants having their campaigns on the doorstep of would be delegates. Significantly, even though the NPP is not in power, this year�s race for the regional executive positions has attracted a lot of enthusiastic youth, many of whom have thrown their weight behind the various candidates and are even on their campaign trails, helping to sell the messages of the respective candidates to the delegates. Tomorrow December 29, 2009, delegates numbering 204 drawn from members of TESCON and elders of the party in the region, and the candidates themselves, will come together to elect their representatives to lead the party in the coming years. One of the positions which many expect to be very keenly contested is that of the regional chairman which the current indefatigable chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Abdul Rahman Short, a businessman, who has been able to wine three parliamentary seats for the NPP in the region, is predicted by many to retain. He had two contenders, namely a former Ghana Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Mr Mogtari Sahanoon, and Mr Eddy Kaleona Tizzala, also a businessman. For the position of first vice-chairman, a former Sissala West District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Ismail Madah, a bursar Mr Bawah Bismark, and Mr Abubakari Bawa are contesting. To the pundits, it is a race in which any of the three candidates could carry the day. For the second vice-chairman position, Mr Hafiz Bin Salih, who is presently the regional youth organizer, has been tipped to win the seat, taking into consideration his achievements as a youth organizer. Mr Bin Salih is, therefore, enjoying massive support, especially from the youth. He is being challenged by a businessman, Mr David Kandoh. Subsequently, the seat of the incumbent Secretary, Mr Ibrahim Abu Tamah Tony, which has been described as one of the hottest seats in the region also has very competent and affable members of the NPP rubbing shoulders.