RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE PROPOSED...
Transcript of RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE PROPOSED...
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RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE PROPOSED
AMENDMENTS OF THE NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY
CONSTITUTION
DECEMBER 2017
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REPORT OF THE NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY (NPP) CONSTITUTION
COMMITTEE – RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE PROPOSED
AMENDMENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Constitution of the New Patriotic Party was first registered with the
Electoral Commission on 24th June, 1992. It has seen three amendments on
29th August, 1998, 2003 and 22nd August, 2009. Constitutional Amendment
is a necessary tool which ensures that the Constitution remains a living
document that responds to and reflects the aspirations of the Party.
The proposed amendments are intended to ensure the smooth operation of
the NPP Constitution, to avert unnecessary controversies, indiscipline and
intractable litigation which have lately threatened to undermine the very
existence of the Party, as well as to make the provisions generally tidy. The
amendments relate to both the substance and form of the Constitution.
Article 18 of the current Constitution (22nd August 2009), provides as
follows:
“Every amendment to this Constitution shall be made at the
National Delegates Conference [the supreme governing body of the
Party], provided, however, that no amendment shall be made unless:
i. notice of such amendment has been submitted in writing to
the General Secretary not later than two (2) months before the
National Delegates Conference;
ii. The General Secretary has circulated the proposed
amendment to every Regional and Constituency Office at least
one (1) month before the National Delegates Conference;
iii. At least two-thirds (2/3) of the delegates at the National
Delegates Conference cast their votes in favour of the
amendment.”
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE
CONSTITUTION REVIEW COMMITTEE
In keeping with the tradition of the Party as contained in Article 18, the
General Secretary received proposals for amendments from various interest
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groups and individual members of the Party which were to be tabled for debate
at the Annual Delegates Conference held in Cape Coast from 25th August, 2017
to 27th August, 2017. It however became necessary to convene an Extra-
Ordinary Delegates Conference to afford Delegates sufficient time to study the
proposed amendments.
Mandated by Article 9(B)(1), the National Council gave directives to the National
Chairperson to constitute an ad hoc Constitutional Review Committee tasked to
critically examine the proposed amendments, categorize them under the various
clauses for ease of reference and to make recommendations to guide the debate
at the Extra-Ordinary Delegates Conference. The ad hoc Committee comprised
the following personalities:
i. Mr. F. F. Antoh, Acting 1st Vice-Chairman of NPP (Chairman);
ii. Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, former Minister for Foreign Affair;
(Member)
iii. Godfred Yeboah Dame, Deputy Attorney-General (Member);
iv. Joseph Dindiok Kpemka MP, Deputy Attorney-General (Member);
v. Osei Bonsu Amoah MP, Deputy Minister for Local Government (Member);
vi. Ms. Joyce Opoku-Boateng, Private Legal Practitioner (Member);
vii. Mrs. Joyce Agyeman-Attafuah, Private Legal Practitioner (Member);
viii. Madam Agnes Okudzeto, 2nd Vice-Chairman of NPP (Member);
ix. Mr. Antwi-Agyei, Party Office, (Member); and
x. Richard Asante-Yeboah, (Member)
At its meeting held on Tuesday 28th November 2017 the M-Plaza Hotel in Accra,
the National endorsed the Report of the ad hoc Constitutional Review Committee
as an Information Document for the Annual Delegates Conference to be held in
Kumasi on the 17th of December 2017. It is to be noted that at the Conference
the proposed amendments will be introduced by way of Motions.
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2.0 THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE NPP CONSTITUTION AND
COMMENTS/RECOMMENDATIONS THEREON
Under this sub-topic, the Committee examined the provisions in the NPP
Constitution in respect of which amendments have been proposed and the
Constitution as a whole. While streamlining and categorizing the proposed
amendments under the various clauses, the Committee made recommendations
for their acceptance or rejection and where appropriate made some modification
as would ensure coherence and consistency with the time-tested tradition and
aspirations of the Party as enshrined in the Constitution.
2.1 METHODOLOGY
For ease of reference, Names of Proponents and the Clauses that are sought to
be amended are set out or summarized where appropriate. The proposed
amendments are highlighted by emboldening the words. Recommendations
made by the ad hoc Review Committee were informed by the totality of views
expressed by the Proponents, the underlying principles and tradition of the Party
as enunciated in the existing Constitution, which are quintessentially the Party’s
and ought to be respected and protected while ensuring that the Constitution
reflects current socio-political development of the Party in its forward march to
advance the cause of democracy, the rule of law and create and sustain an
enabling environment for the individual’s socio-economic advancement.
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➢ PREAMBLE
No amendment was proposed.
➢ ARTICLE 1 – NAME OF THE PARTY
No amendment was proposed
➢ ARTICLE 2 – AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Proponents: THE PARLIAMENTARY GROUP; NPP-USA
Proposed amendments:
1. NPP-USA:
Delete the entire Article and replace with a single Mission statement.
2. PARLIAMENTARY GROUP
Insert a new clause titled Vision as follows:
“To establish a government which shall secure the present generation and
posterity the blessings of liberty, equality of opportunity and prosperity”
Recommendation:
The Committee noted that the substance of the proposed amendment is already
captured in various clauses under Article 2. It was further noted that Article 2 is
well-crafted and its structure should be maintained. It is recommended that the
proposed amendments be rejected
Clause 2: To sponsor candidates for elections to any public office
subject to the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana.
Recommendation:
The Committee was of the view that the proposed amendment had more to do
with semantics than substance and recommends that the existing clause
which is simpler should be maintained.
Clause 3: To win political power through democratic means in order to
pursue the establishment of a just society where basic human rights, a
healthy economy shall be ensured and where equality, probity and
accountability shall be the affirmed/guiding principles
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Recommendation:
The Party must have its own aim which is quintessentially the Party’s. The
proposed amendment appears to be a mere rehash of the Constitution of
Ghana and at variance with the tradition of the Party. It is recommended that
the existing clause be maintained.
Clause 4: To foster and actively promote unity among all the people of
this country regardless of race, place of origin, circumstances of birth,
ethnic origin, position, gender, religion or creed, occupation, status in
society or political affiliation.
Recommendation:
The proposed amendment is more expansive and fills in gaps that ought to be
included – It is recommended that it be accepted.
Clause 5: To bring together like-minded citizens of the country so that
they may strive for freedom, justice, probity and accountability by the
appreciation and respect for and enforcement of human rights and the
rule of law through the practice of true democracy.
Recommendation:
The thrust of the proposed amendment is already in the existing provisions of
article 2. Suffice to say that the proposed amendment has revolutionary and
socialistic undertones and at variance with the tradition of the Party. It is
recommended that the existing clause be maintained.
Clause 13: To manage the economy of the country with efficiency and
prudence to maximize the economic development
Recommendation:
It was observed by the Committee that the existing text expresses in much
clearer and simpler language the Party’s tradition and aim. It is recommended
that the proposed amendment be rejected.
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Clause 14: Insert a new Clause 14(b) as follows: To recognize and
guarantee the ownership of property by individuals either alone or in
association with others
Recommendation:
The proposed amendment by introduction of a new clause is in consonance with
the tradition of the Party, and is recommended for acceptance.
Clause 15: To create an enabling environment for a pronounced role
for the private sector and which will afford ample opportunity for
individual initiative and creativity such that citizens and foreigners
alike may invest without fear and without unnecessary bureaucratic
restrictions and impediments, in order to create wealth and prosperity for
the people.
Recommendation:
The proposed amendment in essence, borders on semantics only and appears
not to amend the existing clause in substance. It is recommended that the
existing clause which is more expansive and more effectively articulates the
Party’s tradition be maintained.
Clause 15(b) – Insert new clause: To take the necessary steps to
facilitate the provision of adequate means of livelihood and suitable
employment and public assistance to the disadvantaged
Recommendation:
The idea is already captured in clause 12 and should therefore be synchronized
with that clause. It is suggested that Clause 12 be amended to read as follows:
“To ensure that there are equal opportunities for all citizens without
discrimination on any grounds – whether of gender, age, position, politics,
religion or status, and to provide public assistance to the disadvantaged”.
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Clause 16 – To provide a good and qualitative system of education, both
public and private, at all levels, and in all the regions which responds to
the developmental needs of the country.
Recommendation:
The proposed amendment is only a matter of semantics and appears not to
amend the existing clause in substance. It is recommended that the existing
clause which is more expansive and in tune with the Party’s tradition be
maintained.
Clause 21: To pursue responsible population policies which shall be
consistent with the aspirations and developmental needs of the
country
Recommendation:
It was observed that the proposed amendment appears not to amend the existing
clause in substance, but merely borders on semantics. It is recommended that
the existing clause be maintained.
Clause 23: To uphold and defend the Constitution and Laws of the
Republic
Recommendation:
Proposed amendment only seeks to transpose words from the National Pledge,
and appears not to amend the existing clause in substance. The existing clause
is in line with the Party’s tradition and unique style. It is recommended that the
proposed amendment be rejected and the status quo maintained.
Clause 24: To foster national unity and promote and protect the
integrity of the Republic
Recommendation:
The proposed amendment appears not to amend the existing clause in
substance, but merely borders on semantics. The existing clause is in line with
the Party’s tradition and unique style. It is recommended that the proposed
amendment be rejected and the status quo maintained.
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Clause 25: - To respect, preserve and promote the traditional cultures
and institutions of this country, particularly Chieftaincy and Ghanaian
languages and encourage the integration of appropriate customary
values into the fabric of national life
Recommendation:
The proposed amendment is only a matter of semantics and appears not to
amend the existing clause in substance. It is recommended that the existing
clause be maintained.
Clause 26: - To ensure that the country maintains friendly relations
with all countries which respect our sovereignty and integrity as a nation,
and support measures that strengthen the Economic Community of West
African States (ECOWAS), The African Union (AU), the Commonwealth,
and the United Nations (UN), and any other international body of
which Ghana is a member in pursuit of development, peace, freedom
and just international order.
Recommendation:
The Committee recommends the acceptance of the proposed amendment as it
promotes the Party’s ideals beyond national frontiers
Clause 27: - Amend by repealing or deleting the entire clause
Recommendation:
The Committee observed that the existing clause imposes an obligation beyond
the Party’s mandate and capacity as a political party and is inconsistent with the
tradition and ideals of the Party. It is recommended that the proposed
amendment by its deletion should be accepted.
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Clause 28: – To develop and maintain close fraternal relations with
political parties in West Africa, Africa, and the world at large which share
the liberal democratic ideals of the Party, with the view to the establishment
of regional, continental and global associations of likeminded democratic
parties to promote and defend ideals of Democracy and the Rule of Law in
Africa and elsewhere.
Recommendation:
It flows from the proposed amendment to clause 26. It is recommended that the
proposed amendment be accepted, as it promotes international cooperation
between political parties with kindred philosophy in other parts of the world.
➢ ARTICLE 3 –
MEMBERSHIP
▪ Proponents: PARLIAMENTARY GROUP; CONSTITUTIONAL & LEGAL
COMMITTEE; HON. MAXWELL KOFI DWUMAH; H.E DR. BARFOUR
ADJEI-BARWUAH; NPP-USA
A Membership
1. PARLIAMENTARY GROUP
Clause A (1) Membership of the Party shall be opened to all citizens of
voting age without regard to place of origin, circumstances of birth,
race, status, occupation, gender, ethnic origin, religion, creed or other
beliefs except that a member of an organization or interest group
shall not be required to join the party by virtue of his membership of
the organization or group.”
Recommendation:
The proposed amendment appears to express two separate ideals or subjects
rolled in one clause. It is recommended that the clause is broken into two
separate clauses as follows:
A(1)(i): Membership of the Party shall be opened to all citizens of voting
age without regard to place of origin, circumstances of birth, race, status,
occupation, gender, ethnic origin, religion, creed or other beliefs.
A)(1)(ii): A member of an organization or interest group shall not be
required to join the party by virtue of his membership of the organization
or group.
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Clause A(3) A person who desires to become a Member of the Party may
enroll for membership in any parliamentary constituency where the person
hails from and in the polling station where the person belongs to or
resides, or in an external branch
Recommendation:
Proposed amendment appears onerous and at variance with the Party’s tradition
and therefore it is recommended that the amendments be rejected and the status
quo maintained.
Clause A (4) A person, shall, upon being enrolled, be issued with a
membership card bearing the person’s name, postal address, house
number, polling station and constituency or external branch in which
the person has been enrolled
Recommendation:
Proposed amendment is recommended for acceptance.
Clause A (5) A member shall be registered as belonging to any one
of the following three categories of membership:
Recommendation:
The Committee was of the view that the amendment gives more clarity to the
clause and therefore recommends its acceptance.
Clause A (5)(a) Founding Members are those persons who participated
in the birth of the Party by appending their signatures on the prescribed
forms and paying the prescribed fees in 1992.”
Recommendation:
Amendment recommended for acceptance with some modification to read as
follows:
Founding Members are persons who participated in the birth of the Party
by appending their signatures on the prescribed forms at the Electoral
Commission and paid the prescribed fees in 1992.
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Clause A (5)(b)(i) Patrons are Members who undertake to contribute
to the national, regional, constituency or Polling Station fund of the
Party for the support of the Party’s organization and such extra levies as
the Party may impose from time to time.
Recommendation:
The proposed amendment seeks to effectively address the gaps in the existing
clause. Its acceptance is recommended
Clause A (5)(b)(ii)
The Regions and Constituencies shall have their respective registers
of patrons who undertake to contribute to the regional, constituency
or [polling station] fund of the Party, as the case may be, for the
support of the Party’s organization, and such extra levies as may be
imposed from time to time
Recommendation:
The proposed amendment seeks to effectively address the gaps in the existing
clause. Its acceptance is recommended.
2. HON. MAXWELL KOFI JUMAH
There shall be kept at every Polling Station, offices of the Party at the
Constituency, Regional and National level and up-to-date Register
which shall be updated every month based on the following schedule
(he spelt out the time for updating, who to do the update so as to ensure that
the registers are not altered and remain sacrosanct)
Recommendation:
The two proposals which expressed similar views were synchronized by the
Committee to read as follows: The National Secretariat, Regional Secretariat, Constituencies and
polling stations shall have their respective registers of patrons who
undertake to contribute to the regional, constituency or polling station
fund of the Party, as the case may be, for the support of the Party’s
organization, and such extra levies as may be imposed from time to time
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PARLIAMENTARY GROUP
Clause A (5)(c) Ordinary Members
Persons who join the Party and are neither Founding Members nor Patrons shall
be described as Ordinary Members
Recommendation:
The Committee felt that the word “Ordinary” has negative connotation and
therefore the status should be maintained.
Clause A (6) The prescribed fees paid by Founding Members and the
contributions made or levies paid by Patrons shall be in addition to
whatever membership dues they may pay in the constituency in which they
are registered as Members.
Recommendation:
The proposed amendment seeks to effectively address the gaps in the existing
clause. Its acceptance is recommended.
B Donations
Clause B(1) Every Member shall be liable to pay such amount of
contributions, levies or dues and in such a manner as the Party may from
time to determine.
Recommendation:
The proposed amendment also serves the purpose of effectively addressing the
gaps in the existing clause, and its acceptance is recommended.
Clause B(2) Subject to the provisions of laws governing political parties,
any citizen or groups of citizens, who agree with the aims, objectives,
policies and programs of the Party, may make such donations to the Party.
Recommendation:
The proposed amendment addresses the ambiguity in the existing clause, and
its acceptance is recommended.
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C - Rights of a Member
Clause C (iii) is amended by inserting the emboldened words and
sub-clauses rearranged as follows:
A member shall have the right to:
iii. Contest for any position or office within the Party in accordance with rules
and regulations governing elections.
(iv) Subject to Article 55(8) [of the 1992 Constitution] the Party shall not
have as a Founding Member, patron, or member of its Executive a
member/person who is not qualified to be elected as a Member of
Parliament or to hold any other public office
(v) For the avoidance of doubt –
1. A Member shall be disqualified from holding any office or contesting any
election in the Party if he or she:
a) Owes allegiance to a country other than Ghana;
b) Is declared bankrupt under any law in Ghana;
c) Has been convicted and/or sentenced by a court of competent jurisdiction
in respect of any offence involving:
(i) high crime, high treason, treason or an offence involving the
security of the State, dishonesty, fraud or moral turpitude;
(ii) Any offence punishable by death or by a sentence of not less
than 10 years, unless a period of ten years has elapsed after the
serving of the sentence or he or she has been granted full pardon;
(iii) Any offence relating to public elections
d) Has been found by a report of a commission or committee of enquiry
to either be incompetent to hold public office or have acquired assets
unlawfully or defrauded the State or abused his office or acted against
the interest of the State.”
e) Is not qualified to be registered as a voter under any law relating to
public elections.
f) Suffers from mental disability or adjudged a criminal lunatic
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g) Is a chief or is a public servant belonging to any of the services listed
under Article 94(3)(b) of the 1992 Constitution
h) Is not in good standing. 2. A member shall be in good standing where he or she has paid in full and up
to date all dues, contributions or levies he or she is liable to pay as a Member
and has discharged all his or her duties as a Member.
3. A Member shall have the right to vote in any internal election of the
Party if he or she is a registered person to vote in any public election and
has been in good standing at least two (2) years before the conduct of that
election.
Recommendation:
The proposed amendments comprehensively fill the gaps in the existing clause
and clears any doubt or ambiguity. It is recommended for acceptance
D - Duties of a Member
Clause D(i) A member shall:
Promote and defend the good name of the Party
Recommendation:
The proposed amendment is only a matter of semantics and appears not to
amend the existing clause in substance. It is recommended that the existing
clause be maintained.
Insert new clause after Clause D(vii) Register as a voter for the
purposes of public elections and referenda upon attaining the age of
18 years or above, subject to the Constitution of the Republic
Recommendation:
Recommended for acceptance except that the clause should be reformulated to
read as follows: Register as a voter for the purposes of public elections and
referenda in accordance with the Laws governing elections.
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Clause D(viii) - Amend by inserting the emboldened:
• PARLIAMENTARY GROUP /H.E DR. BARFOUR ADJEI-BARWUAH
Not initiate, commence or prosecute any legal proceedings whatsoever against
the Party or any other Member of the Party relating to Party affairs, without
first having exhausted the grievance procedure laid down in this Constitution
in respect of grievances against the Party or any Member and a member who
acts contrary to this automatically forfeits his or her membership
• CONSTITUTIONAL & LEGAL COMMITTEE
Not initiate, commence or prosecute any legal proceedings whatsoever against
the Party or any other Member of the Party relating to Party affairs, without
first having exhausted both grievance and disciplinary procedures laid down
in this Constitution in respect of grievances against the Party or any Member
Recommendation:
The Committee recommends the acceptance of the proposal by the
Constitutional & Legal Committee which clears any doubt or ambiguity.
The proposal by the Parliamentary Group which advocates for forfeiture of
membership is too draconian. Much as it is in the interest of the Party for
members to fully exhaust mechanisms laid down in the Constitution for
redress of grievances before litigation, the greater interest of the Party will
warrant that members who breach this provision do not lose their membership
automatically. The supreme object of the Party is to mobilise masses to win
elections. Such object is not protected by automatic forfeiture of membership.
Suspension or fines could be options for recalcitrant members. Additionally, the
strengthening of the internal grievance and disciplinary procedures as well
sustained sensitization of the rank and file to respect the Party’s traditions and
imposition of penalties for breaches will deter tendencies for litigation.
E Resignation of a Member
• PARLIAMENTARY GROUP
Clause 3(E) Resignation and Cessation of Membership
Recommendation:
The proposed amendment of the sub-heading has no bearing on the
provisions thereunder and its rejection is recommended.
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Clause 3(E)(1) Insert new clause: A member shall cease to be a
member of the Party if he breaches any relevant provisions of the
Constitution
Recommendation:
The committee felt that this clause was draconian in effect. Suspension or fines
could be options for errant members. Additionally, the strengthening of the
internal grievance and disciplinary procedures [as in Clause D(iii) as amended]
as well as sustained sensitization of the rank and file to respect the Party’s
traditions and penalties for breaches will deter tendencies for litigation and
misconduct. (This view is shared by NPP-USA)
Clause 3(E)(3) Insert new clause: Any member who ceases to be a
Member of the Party shall return to the Party any Party property in
his or her custody and shall forfeit any contribution, levies, dues, or
donations made to the Party
Recommendation:
The proposed amendments comprehensively fill the gaps in the existing clause
and clears any doubt or ambiguity. It is recommended for acceptance
F Suspension of a Member
Clause 3(F)(1) – Amend by repealing the sub-clause and replace with
the following: A Member whose conduct or activities are being
investigated by a Disciplinary Committee, shall while the case is
pending before the Committee, be suspended from membership of the
Party, or holding any office in the Party
Recommendation:
The proposal is accepted with modification in order to guarantee the member’s
the right of hearing before punishment is meted out to any individual who is a
subject of investigation. A member who is the subject of disciplinary
proceedings may be suspended from holding office upon recommendation
of the Disciplinary Committee to the relevant Executive Committee
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G Expulsion of a Member
Clause 3(G)(2) A Member who, accordingly ceases to be a Member shall
return to the Party any Party property in his or her custody and shall forfeit
any contributions, levies, dues, or donations made to the Party
Recommendation:
The proposed amendments comprehensively fill the gaps in the existing clause
and clears any doubt or ambiguity. It is recommended for acceptance
Clause 3(G)(3) A member who is expelled from the Party shall not
be readmitted as a Member unless a period of at least eight (8) years
has elapsed
Recommendation:
The relevant Executive Committee must be allowed to exercise some discretion
on the appropriate sanctions and not be tied down with fixed periods. It is
recommended that the proposed amendment is rejected and the status quo
maintained.
H Forfeiture of Membership
Clause 3(H)(1) A member of the Party who stands as an independent
candidate against the officially elected candidate of the Party or who joins
or declares his or her support for another political party, or for an
independent candidate when the Party sponsored a candidate in a general
or by-election automatically forfeits his or her memberships of the Party,
and shall not be reinstated until a period of at least ten (10) years has
elapsed since the date he contested as an independent candidate and
shall not be readmitted as a Member until a period of at least ten (10)
years has elapsed since the date when he or she contested as an
independent candidate or joined or declared support for another
political party .
Recommendation
The National Executive Committee must be allowed to exercise some discretion
on the appropriate sanctions and not be tied down with fixed periods. It is
recommended that the proposed amendment be rejected and the status quo
maintained.
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I - Register of Members
Clause 3(I)(1-3)
PARLIAMENTARY GROUP
1. There shall be kept at every polling station and in the constituency office
of the Party an up to date Register of Members of the Party in the
Constituency which shall be updated every six months and forwarded to
the National Secretariat through the respective Regional Secretariat
every two (2) years.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the two year period for submission is too long. It
should be made yearly; the mode of transmission is good and same is
recommended.
2. The Regional Secretariats of the Party shall keep an up to date Register
of Founding Members and Patrons of the Party in its region an shall take
custody of the list of registered Members in all constituencies of the region
3. The National Secretariat shall keep a Register of all categories of
Member of the Party
HON. MAXWELL KOFI JUMAH
Proposes the repeal of the entire clause 3(I) and replace as follows:
1. A register of party members in every Polling station shall be kept at
the Polling Station;
2. The compilation of the said register should be done at the Polling
station
3. The register will be submitted to the Constituency Secretariat after
the Polling Station Executives have vetted and signed same to
certify the authenticity of each party member as contained in the
register
4. A composite Register of Polling Stations should be kept at the
Constituency, Regional and National Secretariats
5. The National Secretariat shall keep a register of all categories of
Members of the Party.”
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Recommendation
The proposals from the Parliamentary group and Hon. Kofi Jumah and virtually
the same and should be synchronized.
ARTICLE 4 – DISCIPLINARY AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
Proponents: PARLIAMENTARY GROUP; CONSTITUTIONAL & LEGAL
COMMITTEE; H.E DR. BARFOUR ADJEI BARWUAH
1. PARLIAMENTARY GROUP
Clause 4(1) The Amendment seeks to rearrange the entire Clause and
insert new sub-clauses as per the emboldened words:
Appointment of Disciplinary Committees
a) (i) Each Constituency shall have a Constituency Disciplinary Committee
which shall be appointed by the Constituency Executive Committee
(ii) The Constituency Disciplinary committee shall comprise not
less than (three) 3 and not more than five (5) Members, provided,
however, that where the Constituency Disciplinary Committee
consists of three (3) Members, at least one (1) shall be a woman, and
where there are five (5) Members, at least two (2) shall be women.
iii) A member of the Constituency Executive committee shall not
be a member of the Constituency Disciplinary Committee
Recommendation:
Amendment seeks to break up Article 4(1)(a) into three clauses,
thereby making it clearer and easier to read. It seeks also to amplify
the mandate of the Disciplinary committee and removes the likelihood
of conflict of interest on the part of a Constituency executive member.
Same is recommended for acceptance.
iv) The quorum for a meeting of the Constituency Disciplinary
Committee shall be 2 where the membership is 3 and 3 where the
membership is 5.
Recommendation:
It sets in definitive terms the quorum for meetings. Same is
recommended for acceptance
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v) The Constituency Disciplinary Committee shall not take more
3 weeks to investigate and adjudicate a case before it and shall
submit its report and conclusion to the Constituency Executive
Committee for implementation
Recommendation:
The proposed amendment introduces nothing new as the proposal is
covered by Article 4(5)(c). It is moot.
b) (i) Each Region shall have a Regional Disciplinary Committee which
shall be appointed by the Regional Executive Committee
ii) The Regional Disciplinary committee shall comprise not less than
3 and not more than 5 members, provided however that where the
Regional Disciplinary Committee consist of more than 3 members, at
least one of them shall be a woman, and where there are 5
members at least 2 shall be women
Recommendation:
Amendment seeks to break up Article 4(1)(a) into two clauses, thereby
making it clearer and easier to read. It is recommended that same be
accepted. It also promotes gender equity
iii) A member of the Regional Executive Committee shall not be a
member of the Regional Disciplinary committee
Recommendation:
Amendment seeks to strengthen the mandate of the Disciplinary
committee and removes the likelihood of conflict of interest on the
part of a Constituency executive member. Same is recommended for
acceptance.
iv) The quorum for a meeting of the Regional Disciplinary
Committee shall be 2 where the membership is 3, and 3 where
the membership is 5.
Recommendation:
It sets in definitive terms the quorum for meetings. Same is
recommended for acceptance
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v) The Regional Disciplinary Committee shall ordinarily not
spend more than 4 weeks in dealing with any matter before it and
shall submit a report together with their recommendations to the
Regional Executive for implementation or onward transmission
to the Constituency office for implementation
Recommendation:
The proposed amendment introduces nothing new as the proposal is
covered by Article 4(5)(c). The 4 week period will only delay
adjudication and the same should be rejected
c) (i) There shall be a National Disciplinary Committee which shall be one
of the Standing Committees of the National Council and shall be
composed as follows:
a. One (1) person appointed by the National Executive
Committee who shall be a woman.
b. Two (2) representatives of the Party’s Parliamentary
Group at least one of whom shall be a woman
c. One (1) representative of the National Council of Elders
d. One (1) representative of the Legal and Constitutional
Committee
e. One (1) representative of the Regional Chairpersons
f. One (1) person appointed by the National Chairperson
g. One (1) person appointed by the President where the
Party is in government or the Presidential candidate
where the Party is in opposition.
ii) At the first meeting of the National Disciplinary
Committee, the Chairman shall be elected from
among members by the members themselves
iii) At least five (5) Members of the Committee, including the
Chairperson, shall be present to constitute a valid
meeting of the Committee
23
Recommendation
It is recommended that the proposed amendment be accepted with the following
modification:
• That the National Executive Committee should be given the free hand to
nominate any candidate they deem fit, irrespective of the gender;
• The National Chairperson should be given two (2) nominees instead of the
proposed one (1). It should be noted that the Chairman had three (3)
nominees in the existing Constitution.
This proposal and recommendation will bring the total number of the
Committee to nine (9) members instead of the current number eight (8)
Clause 4(3) Jurisdiction
a) The Constituency Disciplinary Committee shall have jurisdiction in all
matters affecting discipline within the constituency organisation except
that in matters of misconduct relating to elected Constituency
Officers the Constituency Executives shall refer same to the Regional
Disciplinary Committee
Recommendation:
The proposed amendment ensures checks and balances and clears any doubt or
ambiguity and is recommended for acceptance.
b) i. The Regional Disciplinary Committee shall have original jurisdiction in
all matters affecting discipline at the regional level with respect to the non-
elected Regional Executive Officers and other key members of the Party
in the Region, including Constituency Executive Officers, and
Constituency Patrons and Council of Elders as well as Founding
Members who reside in the Region.
ii. The Regional Executive Committee shall have jurisdiction to hear
appeals on the decisions of the constituency party members and their
decision on such appeals shall be final.
Recommendation:
All the groups mentioned in the proposed amendment are members of the Party
and should not be given special treatment. The same procedure for redress
should be available to Members irrespective of their position within the Party. It
is recommended that the proposal is rejected.
24
c) The National Disciplinary Committee shall have jurisdiction in all matters
affecting discipline at the National level with respect to National Executive
Officers and key Members of the Party including Members of Parliament,
Patrons at the national level, Founding Members, Standing Committee and
National Council Members as well as other Members who may be referred
to the National Disciplinary Committee by the National Executive
Committee
d) i. A member who breaches any provision in this constitution or whose
activities undermine the constitution shall have a complaint lodged against
him.
ii. A complaint against a member or office holder at the polling station
level or non-elected constituency officer shall be filed at the constituency
office
iii. A complaint against a non-elected Regional Executive Committee
Member, and elected Constituency Executive Officer, other than a Member
of Parliament, shall be in writing to the Regional Executive Committee.
iv. A complaint against an elected Member of the Regional Executive
Committee shall be made to the National Executive Committee and in case of the
National Executive Committee to the National Council.
v. Upon receipt of a complaint against a member, the Constituency,
Regional or National Executive Committee, as the case may be, shall within
five days submit the complaint to the appropriate Disciplinary Committee.
Recommendation
There appears to be over-segregation of members and special procedures for
certain class of members which is anti-democratic and discriminatory. Same
should be rejected.
Clause 4(6) Appeals
a) A Member aggrieved by or dissatisfied with a decision on misconduct of the
Constituency Executive Committee may, within seven (7) days of the receipt of
the notice of the recommendation, appeal against the recommendation to the
Regional Disciplinary Committee by filing an appeal in writing with the Regional
Secretary. The Regional Disciplinary Committee shall conclude its deliberations
on the appeal within fourteen (14) days from the date of receipt of the appeal
and submit its recommendations on the appeal to the Regional Executive
25
Committee for its decision and the decision on the appeal by the Regional
Executive Committee shall be final.
b) A member aggrieved by or dissatisfied with a decision of the Regional
Executive Committee may, within fourteen (14) days of the receipt of the notice
of the decision of the Regional Executive Committee, appeal against the decision
to the National Disciplinary Committee by filing an appeal in writing with the
General Secretary. The National Disciplinary Committee shall conclude its
deliberations on the appeal within twenty-one (21) days from the date of receipt
of the appeal and submit its recommendation on the appeal to the National
Executive Committee for its decision.
c) A member aggrieved by or dissatisfied with a decision of the National
Executive Committee may, within fourteen (14) days of the receipt of the notice
of the decision, appeal against it to the National Council by filing an appeal in
writing with the General Secretary. The National Council shall conclude its
deliberations on the appeal within fourteen (14) days of receipt of the appeal and
its decision shall be final and binding on all affected parties.
Recommendation:
The proposed amendments are draconian and would overburden Committees
and ultimately have negative effects on justice delivery. The status quo should
be maintained. Article 46(b) in the existing text should be amended to read as
follows: “A member aggrieved by the decision of ………Regional Executive
Committee” instead of “National”
4(7) Misconduct
a) A complaint shall involve an allegation that any of the following acts of
misconduct relates to a Member:
ii. Violent, dangerous or intimidating conduct against another member.
iv. Creation of discord or factionalism within the party.
Ix. Publicly supporting another political party, or a person other than
the member chosen by the party in any public election other than The
District Assembly election.
Recommendation:
The proposed amendment is adequately covered by the existing clauses and
appears superfluous and should be rejected
26
2. CONSTITUTIONAL & LEGAL COMMITTEE
Proposed Amendments:
4(1) (c) Insert “…appointed by that group”. To read
One representative of the Parliamentary Group appointed by that group
Rationale: To pre-empt the recurrence of future litigation
Recommendation
The proposed amendment clears any doubt or ambiguity and is recommended
for acceptance
4(3)(d) Delete the entire Clause
Recommendation
The Committee found that Article 4(5)(a) deals with the issue. It also contradicts
Article 4(5)(e) and recommends that the amendment by deletion/repeal of the
entire clause be accepted
4(5)( c) Amend last line to read “..by the Disciplinary Committee itself.”
Recommendation
The proposed amendment clears any doubt or ambiguity and is recommended
for acceptance
4(7)(b) Clause to be amended to read as follows:
“Any conduct which has the effect of any of the above shall attract
sanctions including fines, suspension, expulsion from the Party or
disqualification from holding any office or position in the Party for a stated
period to be recommended by the relevant Disciplinary Committee subject
to such modifications as the Executive Committee may make.”
Recommendation
The proposed amendment clears any doubt or ambiguity and is recommended
for acceptance.
27
➢ ARTICLE 5 – STRUCTURE AND ORGANISATION
Proponents: PARLIAMENTARY GROUP; FOUNDING MEMBERS OF NASARA;
NASARA GROUP, DOME-KWABENYA; FRRED AMANKWAA SARFO; CRITICAL
THINKERS INTERNATIONALESINYALE; PROF AGBESINYALE
1. FRED AMANKWAH-SARFO/
2. CRITICAL THINKERS INTERNATIONAL
5(2)(a) Insert the emboldened:
The Party shall be based on Polling Station, Constituency, Regional, External
and National Organisations
Recommendation
The Committee recommends the acceptance of proposed amendment as it fills a
gap in the existing clause
5(2)(b) Amend the composition of the Polling Station Executive to include
the following:
i. Chairperson
ii. First Vice Chairperson
iii. Second Vice Chairperson
iv. Polling Station Secretary
v. Deputy Polling Station Secretary
vi. Polling Station Treasurer
vii. Deputy Polling Station Treasurer
viii. Polling Station Organiser
ix. Deputy Station Organiser
x. Polling Station Youth Organiser
xi. Deputy Polling Station Youth Organiser
xii. Polling Station Women Organiser
xiii. Deputy Polling Station Women Organiser
xiv. Polling Station Nasara Coordinator
xv. Deputy Station Nasara Coordinator
xvi. Polling Station Communications Officer
xvii. Deputy Polling Station Communications Officer
xviii. Polling Station Research Officer
xix. Deputy Polling Station Research Officer
He further proposes an expanded Executive at the Regional and National levels
(Refer to Articles 6 and 7)
28
Recommendation:
1. The expansion is not necessary at this stage. The Constituencies should
evolve their own mechanisms to complement the efforts of the Polling station
executives; It is expensive, could be unwieldy and lend itself to infiltration by
non-party members and same should be rejected
PROF AGBESINYALE
Advocates for the creation of a focal person at the community levels to
complement the work of the Polling Station executive
Recommendation:
The creation of parallel structures will engender friction and petty rivalry.
The Polling Station and Electoral Area Coordinators adequately cover the
communities. It is recommended that the proposal be rejected.
➢ ARTICLE 6 – CONSTITUENCY ORGANISATION
Proponents: PARLIAMENTARY GROUP, CONSTITUTIONAL MAXWELL KOFI
JUMAH, EUGENE BOAKYE ANTWI, NPP-USA,
PARLIAMENTARY GROUP
Clause 1
There shall be, in every parliamentary constituency of Ghana, a branch of the
Party consisting of all the Members who have enrolled in the various polling
stations in the Constituency. The basic unit of the organisation of the
Constituency shall be the Polling Station area.
Recommendation:
The existing clause is more concise and well defined. There is no need for
amendment. It is recommended that same is rejected.
The proposed amendment numbered 2(a)
29
Clause 2(a) and (b)
a) There shall be a Polling Station Executive of five (5) Members comprising
Chairman, Secretary Organiser, Youth Organiser and Women Organiser
whose duties shall be to
i. act as polling agents when appropriate;
ii. be responsible for house to house campaigns;
iii. act as agent during voter registration and cleaning of the voter register;
and
iv. perform any other function that would be assigned them by a Constituency
Executive.
b) The polling Station Executive Committee member shall be appointed
by the Parliamentary candidate upon his election in the primaries
conducted at the relevant constituency annual delegates conference.
Recommendation
The proposed amendment should be captured under Article 5 instead of Article
6, an obvious mistake. Indeed article 5 is well defined and needs not amendment
Clause (b) is arbitrary, undemocratic, and will amount to taking the voting rights
of the grassroot by the elites. It is alien to the Party’s tradition.
3.xvii. N.P.P Parliamentarians or Parliamentary Candidate for the
Constituency.
Recommendation
The amendment is not necessary as the Constitution is about the Party and
its members. The choice of words is more apt in the existing clause
30
b) the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executive appointed
by the President when the NPP is in government and who superintend the
constituency may attend Constituency Executive Committee meetings as
an Ex- officio member whether as incumbent or former Chief Executives.
Recommendation
The substance of the amendment is accepted. However the wording in the
existing clause is more in tune with the general style of the Constitution and
should be maintained. It is suggested that the existing that former MPs should
be included.
c) Nine (9) Members of the Constituency Executive Committee, including at
least three elected Persons shall constitute a quorum of the Committee. The
elected persons for the purposes of the quorum shall include the Chairperson or
one of the Vice Chairpersons.
Recommendation
The proposed amendment is not different in content and substance from the
existing clause. The diction in the existing clause is preferred and the
amendment should be rejected.
Clause 3 (d) Who shall be chosen by the Parliamentary candidate
within one month after he has been elected at a Constituency Annual
Delegates Conference from within which the membership of the
constituency party.
Recommendation:
It is a stand alone and not in reference to any clause. Be that as it may, it is
undemocratic, alien to the Party’s tradition, and if granted it will take away the
rights of the rank and file of the Party and same should be jettisoned.
Clause 3 (e) All appointments shall be made to reflect the diversity and the
national character of the Party in the Constituency.
Recommendation:
It is already captured in the existing clause. The amendment is not necessary
and should be rejected
31
4. a) They shall ordinarily hold office except that where the candidate is
unable to win the executive members shall within three months submit a
written report about the Performance of the Party in the immediately held
presidential and general election and hand-over the administration of the
Party to the 3-member staff of the Party Secretariat comprising the
Administrator Research Officer and until such time that a Parliamentary
Candidate shall be elected.
5. a) Within fourteen (14) days of their appointment, the chosen
Constituency Officers and the Member of Parliament or Parliamentary Candidate
shall appoint the Officers who are specified to be appointed under clause (3) of
this Article.
6. c) The remuneration, terms and conditions of service of the Constituency
Secretary and other personnel of the Constituency office shall be determined by
the Parliamentary Candidate in consultation with Constituency Executive
Committee.
7. a) The Constituency Chairperson shall be the head of the Party in the
Constituency and the Member of Parliament or in his absence the Parliamentary
Candidate or in their absence the convener of meetings of the Constituency
Executive Committee.
c) In the absence of the Constituency Chairperson, the 1st Constituency Vice
Chairperson shall act in his or her place and in the absence of the two, the
2nd Constituency Vice Chairperson shall act.
Recommendation:
The proposals as enunciated in 4(a) to 7(c) above is a clear usurpation of the
Party structure by the MPs. The operation and functioning of the Constituency
Party should and must remain in the hands of the Constituency Executive.
Giving the power to the Parliamentary candidate to appoint a polling station
executive would amount to over-concentration of power in one person, it is
undemocratic, an anathema to good governance and same should be rejected.
9. The Constituency Executive Committee shall be responsible for overseeing
the operations of the Party within the constituency and the implementation of
its programs for promoting social and political awareness and general political
education within the constituency, for recruiting Members into the Party and for
mobilising support for the Party before, during and after elections.
32
Recommendation:
The insertion is only semantics and a hackneyed expression and should be
accepted.
11. A constituency officer shall cease to be such officer if:
iii. by reason of death, bodily or mental infirmity, or is incapable of carrying
out his or her duties and responsibilities as a Constituency officer.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the amendment be accepted
iv. he or she ceases to be a member or is expelled from the party.
Recommendation:
The insertion is verbose and makes no substantial change, and same should be
rejected
v. he or she absents himself for six successive meetings without any just
cause or persistently from meetings of the Constituency Executive Committee of
which he or she is given notice, provided that no Constituency Executive shall
cease to be such an officer for this reason without:
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the amendment be accepted
12. A Constituency Officer who ceases to be such officer by reason of
absenteeism shall nevertheless continue to be a Member of the Party and shall
be entitled to offer himself or herself for re-election to membership of the
Constituency Executive Committee at any subsequent Constituency Annual
Delegates Conference.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the amendment be accepted
16. b) Constituency Executive Committee shall appoint, on rotational basis
a member from amongst them to supervise, Polling Station activities.
33
Recommendation:
The existing clause is more practical than the proposed amendment and same
should be rejected.
17. a) Every Constituency Executive Committee shall convene an
Extraordinary Constituency Delegates Conference when required to select the
Parliamentary Candidate for the Constituency.
b) The delegates for the Extraordinary Delegates Conference shall be the same
as the Delegates for the constituency Annual Delegates Conference, this is, all
the registered members of the party in good standing for at least two years
before the conduct of the election.
Recommendation:
It is consistent with Article 3 (B) supra and recommended for acceptance. Again
the breakup of the clause makes it simpler and more comprehensible.
• HON. EUGENE BOAKYE ANTWI
Article 6(2) – The proposed amendment lacks clarity. It appears to
rearrange what is already captured in the existing clause. The MP as a
member of the Constituency Executive Committee is not the leader or chair
of the Committee and should be seen as such. The Committee
recommends the rejection of the proposal
6(2)(b) The proposal would create and unwieldy and nebulous situation,
it is unsustainable and same should be rejected.
Article 6(7) – The proposed amendment will create more mischief than it
seeks to cure and the status quo should therefore be maintained.
• MAXWELL KOFI JUMAH
Article 6(2)(xvi) – The sitting Parliamentarian or elected Parliamentary
candidate for the constituency, sitting MMDCEs, ex-MPs, ex-MMDCEs
shall be members of the Constituency Executive Committee and may
attend Constituency Executive Committee meetings
Chairperson of Council of elders one representative of the Patrons elected
among them shall represent them
A representative of the Founding members chosen among them by
consensus shall be ex-officio members
34
Recommendation:
The Committee recommends that Ex-MPs, Ex-MMDCEs can attend meetings as
ex-officio members. To that extent the proposal by Hon. Maxwell Kofi Jumah is
accepted in part.
Article 6(3)
• EFO PHILIPO NYAHO DATTI
Proposal: Article 6(3) should be amended to ensure that the
selection of the leaders of the special organs (women, youth and
Nasara) at the constituency level should be in conformity with what
pertains at the national level
• CONSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL COMMITTEE
Article 6(7)(a) –
The Committee recommends the acceptance of the proposal for amendment and
suggests the following modifications:
Amend to include: “…Apart from the Chairman, a written resolution of one
third of the total members of the Constituency Executive Committee
(CEC) should be sufficient to compel the convening of a meeting.
The 1st Vice-Chairman shall in the absence of the Chairman preside over
meetings of the CEC
• NPP-USA
Proposal: Constituency Chairmen should not be allowed to resign and
contest Parliamentary primaries
Recommendation: The situation has been dealt with by the National
Council Resolution
34
➢ ARTICLE 7 – REGIONAL ORGANISATION
1. Each Region shall have a Regional Executive Committee, which shall
consist of the:
xv. The Leader of the Region’s Parliamentary Group; and the Regional
Minister when the Party is in government, shall be ex-officio members of the
Regional Executive Committee.
Recommendation:
There is sufficient provision in the existing constitution and the amendment is
superfluous and same should be rejected.
2. a) The Regional Officers shall be elected at a meeting convened for that
purpose by the Members of Parliament in the Region, five members of
the region’s Council of Patrons and the Founding Members of the Party
in the Region.
Recommendation:
The thrust of these proposals is the election of Regional Executives by the
Parliamentarians in the respective Regions. The Committee considers these
amendments to be against the tenets of democracy, participatory politics and the
philosophy of the Party. The Committee therefore recommends the rejection of
these proposals.
Clause 3 a) No Member shall be proposed for nomination as a
Regional Officer unless such a Member is a known and active Member
for at least three (3) years.
b) No Member shall be eligible to contest an election or to be appointed to
the position of a Regional Officer if such a person is an incumbent
Constituency or National Officer, Metropolitan, Municipal or District Chief
Executive, Member of Parliament, Minister or Deputy Minister of State.
Recommendation
The existing clause is clear and unambiguous and does not need an amendment.
35
4(b) Within fourteen(14) days of appointment of the Regional Officers, the
Regional Executive Committee shall on the advice of the Region’s
Parliamentary Group and the Regional Council of Patrons appoint
Members of the Regional Disciplinary Committee, the Regional Finance
Committee, ten (10) Members each on the Council of Elders and Council
of Patrons.
Recommendation
That would amount to a usurpation of power from the Regional Executive
committee and should be rejected.
4(d) The remuneration, terms and conditions of service of the Regional
Secretary and other personnel of the Regional Secretariat shall be
determined by the Regional Council.
Recommendation
That would amount to a usurpation of power from the Regional Executive
committee and should be rejected.
6(a) The Regional Chairperson shall be the executive head of the Party in
his or her Region and the convener of meetings of the Regional Executive
Committee, the Regional Council and the Regional Delegates
Conference, and shall preside over such meetings.
6(b)The Regional Chairperson shall be a Member of the National Council.
Recommendation
That would amount to a usurpation of power from the Regional Executive
committee and should be rejected.
c) In the absence of the Regional Chairperson the 1st Regional Vice
Chairperson shall act in his or her place and in the absence of the Regional
Chairperson and 1st Vice Chairperson, the 2nd Vice Chairperson shall act.
Recommendation
The proposal is recommended for acceptance.
36
7. The Regional Executive Committee shall meet, at least, once every
month and shall present quarterly reports on the operations and activities
of the Party in the Region to the Regional Council which shall adopt it
subject to the necessary modifications and transmit it to the National
Executive Committee. The presence of at least one-third (1/3) of the
Members of the Regional Executive Committee shall be necessary to
constitute a quorum of the Committee.
Recommendation:
The establishment of the Regional Council has not been recommended for
acceptance. The National Executive Council therefore should be the body to
receive reports from the REC.
10. A Regional Officer shall cease to be such officer if:
c) by reason of death, bodily or mental infirmity or is incapable of carrying
out his or her responsibilities as a Regional Officer.
d) he or she ceases to be a member for engaging in specified acts
prohibited under Article 3 of this constitution or is expelled from the Party.
Recommendation:
The proposal is recommended for acceptance.
e) without just cause, he or she absents himself or herself consecutively for a
period of 5 meetings without any just cause or persistently from meetings of
the Regional Executive Committee of which he or she is given notice, provided
that no Regional Officer shall cease to be such Officer for this reason without:
Recommendation:
The proposal is recommended for acceptance.
37
REGIONAL COUNCIL
There shall be a Regional Council of the party which shall comprise:
a) The Members of the Regional Executive Committee
b) The Regional Members of Parliament
c) The Chairman of all the Constituencies in the Region
d) The Founding Members of the Party in the Region
e) The Council of Elders of the Party in the Region.
f) Five representatives of the Council of Patrons in the Region
Recommendation:
This would be a parallel structure which may end up undermining the
existing structures and same should be rejected.
• PATRICK ACHEAMPONG
The proposals of the member on article 7(2)(a) is the same as the existing
clause in substance. The words all other Regional Officers can be added to
the clause. It is therefore recommended for acceptance.
• CONSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL COMMITTEE
Article 7(6)(a) – The proposal of the Committee is recommended for acceptance,
in order to prevent a potential hijacking of the Party by a few individuals. It was
however recommended that a resolution of one-third of the members of the
Regional Executive Committee (REC) should be sufficient to call a meeting.
• EFO PHILIPO NYAHO DATTI
Proposal: Article 7(2) should be amended to ensure that the
selection of the leaders of the special organs (women, youth and
Nasara) at the regional level should be in conformity with what
pertains at the national level
38
➢ Article 8 – EXTERNAL BRANCHES
• NPP – USA BRANCH
Proposal for representation of External Branches on National Council
and National Executive Committee –
Recommendation:
The proposal will create a lot of practical difficulties. The Committee is of the
view that the status quo be maintained.
➢ ARTICLE 9 NATIONAL ORGANISATION
• Proponents: PARLIAMENTARY GROUP; FORUM FOR NPP FORMER;
TREASURER, MANHYIA NORTH, PATRICK ACHEAMPONG
C. NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
• PARLIAMENTARY GROUP
There shall be a National Executive Committee, the Members of which
shall be from all the Regions of Ghana.
Recommendation
The NEC membership includes Regional Chairmen and therefore the proposal is
not necessary and should be rejected
• NPP-USA
Insert a new clause – THE LEADER OF THE PARTY (see Article 12)
F. General Secretary
iii. The remuneration, terms and conditions of service of the General Secretary
and other personnel of the National Secretariat shall be determined by the National
Chairperson with the approval of the National Executive Committee.
39
G. National Treasurer
ii. The National Treasurer shall be responsible to the Finance Committee and
shall make a monthly report on the s tate of the P ar ty’s F in an ces to the
F in ance
Committee.
I. Steering Committee of the National Executive Committee
2. a) The steering Committee shall consist of the following Members:
iii. Presidential Candidate/President.
(No amendments were proposed in respect of the above)
• CONSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL COMMITTEE
Article 9(B)(5) – Standing Committees to present reports to National
Council every six months.
Recommendation:
Proposal is recommended for acceptance.
Article 9(B)(5)(a)(ii) – To prevent one person from holding the Party to
ransom,
Recommendation:
The Committee recommends the acceptance of the proposed amendment.
Article 9(C)(2)(i) – Proposal seeks to fill a lacuna by including past
presidential candidates in the composition of National Executive
Committee (NEC).
Recommendation
The Committee recommends the acceptance of the proposed amendment.
40
New Article 9(D)(iii) – The Constitutional and Legal Committee’s proposal
for the insertion of a new Article 9(D)(iii) is recommended for acceptance,
in order to prevent a potential hijacking of the Party by a few individuals.
It is however recommended that a resolution of one-third of the members
of the National Delegates Conference, National Council, National Executive
Committee (NEC) or the Steering Committee, as the case may be, should
be sufficient to call a meeting.
It is further recommended that there be a further amendment of the old Article
9(D)(iii) to read:
“In the absence of the National Chairperson the 1st National Vice-
Chairperson shall act in his or her place. In the absence of the 1st Vice the
2nd Vice Chairperson shall act
• PATRICK ACHEAMPONG
The proposal of the member on article 9(C)(3) is the same as the existing clause
in substance. The words whose position are elective are superfluous as the
officers are elected and therefore their positions are elective.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the proposal be rejected.
• TREASURER, MANHYIA NORTH
Article 9(F) – The position of the Deputy General Secretary should be
appointed by the National Council
Recommendation:
No compelling reason was advanced for an alteration of the current provision.
The Committee recommends that the current provision be maintained.
• FORUM FOR NPP FORMER MMDCEs
Proposal: Former MMDCEs should be given the power to vote at the
Annual Delegates Conference. They should be given some recognition
41
Recommendation:
They are trusted and known party people who have served the Party and have
a lot to offer and therefore should not be left in the cold. It is recommended
that the proposed amendment be accepted.
• NPP-
USA
Proposal to enlarge the Electoral College to make it ONE MAN ONE VOTE
Recommendation:
It is not workable. Election would be unwieldy as it will be difficult if not
impossible to ascertain who the true members of the Party are.
Proposal: Appointment of Director of IT
Recommendation: This is catered for under Article 9F(ii) – It is part of the
National Secretariat appointed by NEC
➢ ARTICLE 10 – REMOVAL OF OFFICERS
CONSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL COMMITTEE
Insert new Article 10(7) as follows: The provisions of this article 10 are
without prejudice to the sanctions that may be imposed on an elected
officer pursuant to disciplinary proceedings against that officer
Recommendation:
The proposed amendment plugs any loophole that would allow a member to
evade sanctions in disciplinary proceedings against him. It is recommended that
it be accepted.
42
➢ ARTICLE 11 – SELECTION OF
PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATES
PARLIAMENTARY GROUP
Article 11(2)(a) - Proposed amendment bring clarity to the provision. It is
recommended that same be accepted.
EUGENE BOAKYE ANTWI
Article 11(6) – Insert - Proposal to the effect that the Member of Parliament shall
be the executive head of the Party in the Constituency seems to be against the
philosophy of the Party and the tenets of good governance and democracy. In an
event where the Party is in power such a proposal has the tendency to cripple
the administration of the govt. The Committee recommends for same to be
rejected.
Further proposal for the resignation of Ministers, Deputy Ministers and
MMDCEs who intend to contest parliamentary seats was modified by the
Committee thus:
“Any MMDCE who intends to contest where we have sitting MPs should resign
before filing his nomination. This provision does not apply where the sitting MP
will not contest again”
ARTICLE 12 – ELECTION OF PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
• NPP-USA
Insert 12 A: The Presidential Candidate shall be the Flagbearer and
Leader of the Party
Recommendation:
The Committee shares the view of the Proponent that this arrangement has
operated by convention over the years and therefore the need to make it
constitutional. It is therefore recommended for acceptance.
43
➢ ARTICLE 13 – THE PARLIAMENTARY GROUP
No substantial amendment was proposed. The status quo should be maintained.
➢ ARTICLE 14 – SPECIAL ORGANS OF THE PARTY
Proponents:
NASARA GROUP, DOME-KWABENYA
FRED AMANKWA SARFO
EFO PHILIPO NYAHO DATTI
Proposal: NASARA shall be made a Special Organ of the Party like the
Women and Youth Wings
Recommendation:
The rationale for seeking amendment of article 14 is cogent. It is recommended
that Nasara be specifically identified as a special organ of the Party.(Ref to
Article 14(1)(c). Provisions on Nasara should be similar to those of the other
special organs.
• FOUNDING MEMBERS OF NASARA
Proposal: Founding members of Nasara should be given voting rights
during the national election
Recommendation:
It will open the floodgate for other groups to make similar demands.
• NEW PATRIOTIC YOUTH WITH CONVICTION OF PRINCIPLES
• FOUNDATION OF TRUTH
Proposal: Advocates for the expansion of the Electoral College for
Women, Youth and Nasara Organs to cover all delegates present.
Recommendation
It is recommended that like the other special organs, Nasara Coodinator should
have two (2) Deputies
44
➢ ARTICLE 15 – COUNCIL OF ELDERS
DR. ADJEI BARWUAH
The Committee observed that Dr. Adjei Barwuah’s write-up on article 15
consisted of a general exhortation rather than specific proposals for amendment.
Concerned about the breakdown of discipline in the Party he advocates as
follows:
1. Selection of candidates to run for public office – Politics should not be an
avenue for exploitation; it is a calling for nation-building
2. Mobilisation of voters should be on a sustained basis
3. Facilitation for respectable governance
4. Monitoring the governing party when in opposition
5. The Administration/Government should be backed by a strong, well-
structured and disciplined Party
➢ ARTICLES 16 AUDITORS
NPP-USA
Proposal: Establishment of Audit Committee.
Recommendation:
The Party has adequate internal financial controls and also has external
auditors. It is recommended that the proposal be rejected.
17 AND 18
No proposals for amendment were received.
Conclusion
It is hoped that the Extraordinary Delegates Conference will vote to adopt
amendments which will ensure cohesion within the Party, enhance efficiency of
the functioning of relevant organs of the Party, reduce the risk of controversies
and/or litigation as well as make the provisions generally tidy.