Source: tntnewspapergh.com

Information reaching this portal indicates that tension is currently building up across some district assemblies in the Ashanti Region, especially concerning those that are yet to elect presiding members (PMs) ahead of Council of State election.

This follows alleged manipulation and violation of the 1992 Constitution by some officials of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) with the support of some district co-ordinating directors to nominate delegates without going through the necessary procedures.

The Association of Presiding Members has, therefore, sent a strong petition to the Electoral Commission (EC) to reject any two nominees from the various assembly members who are not properly approved by the elected assembly members.

In a petition dated Friday, 31st January 2025, and signed by the executives of the Association, they want the Ashanti Regional Co-ordinating Director and District Co-ordinators to act according to the law.

The executives of the Assassination of Ashanti Presiding Members (PMs)

The petition comes on the same day the EC is expected to close the reception of nominees from various metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies ahead of Council of State election.

The full statement is reproduced below:

PETITION AGAINST VIOLATION OF THE 1992 CONSTITUTION TO NOMINATE TWO ASSEMBLY MEMBERS TO FORM THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE FOR THE COUNCIL OF STATE ELECTION IN ASHANTI REGION.
We, the undersigned, respectfully petition your reputable office that some National Democratic Congress (NDC) party officials, in collaboration with some co-ordinating directors, are attempting to send different names other than those nominated by the various assemblies to the Regional Co-ordinating Council for onward submission to the regional office of the Electoral Commission to form the Electoral College for the upcoming Ashanti Regional Council of State election.

The executives of the Assassination during their swearing in last year

This would be a direct violation of the paragraph (c) of clause(2) of Article 89 of the 1992 Constitution and will undermine the principles of democratic representation and the Rule of Law. In order to prevent total rejection of the President’s MMDCEs nominees in Ashanti Region, we urge you to take immediate action to address this constitutional breach by:
i) Rejecting any nomination of the two(2) Assembly members apart from those nominated by the various Assemblies on the Assembly’s letter head and signed by the Co-ordinating Director.
ii) Confirming the two(2) nominees from the Presiding Members of the respective Assemblies
iii) Making sure the co-ordinating directors liaise with the elected Assembly members to nominate the two(2) representatives where there are no presiding members.
iv) Holding accountable those responsible for this constitutional violation.
We believe that upholding the constitution is essential to maintaining the integrity of our democratic institutions.
We look forward to your prompt response and resolution.

Signed
……….
Hon. Patrick Kwame Frimpong.
Dean of Presiding Members, Ashanti.
0244227222

Hon. Anthony Kwame Nsiah.
Vice Dean, conference of Presiding Members, Ashanti
0244626417

Hon. Isaac Osei-Duah
Secretary, conference of Presiding Members, Ashanti.
0242773020

Hon. Augustine Kofi Adomako.
Organizer, conference of Presiding Members, Ashanti.
0246653350

Hon. Helena Mensah
Treasurer, conference of Presiding Members, Ashanti.
0244351362

Hon. Nana Yaw Wiredu.
Ashanti Regional NALAG Representative.
0202335474

Distribution
The Coordinating Director
Ashanti Region
The Director
Electoral Commission
Ashanti Region
Copy
All Districts Coordinators
Ashanti Region