The Electoral Commission (EC) has officially concluded the filing period for presidential aspirants, which ran from September 9 to September 13. Out of 33 candidates who initially expressed interest, 22 successfully submitted their documents. The final day of filing was marked by unexpected tension.
On the first day, September 9, eight candidates filed their nominations. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was the first to do so, calling on the EC to ensure a credible election process. The National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s John Dramani Mahama also submitted his forms on this day, though his submission was handled by party Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia due to Mahama’s ongoing campaign tour. Nketia used the opportunity to raise concerns about the voters’ register’s integrity. Other early filers included Kofi Akpaloo of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Hasan Ayariga of the All People’s Congress (APC), and independent candidate Nana Kwame Bediako, who had yet to select a running mate.
On September 11, independent candidate Alan Kyerematen submitted his papers, expressing confidence in the youth’s ability to lead Ghana’s future. Alhaji Mohammed Frimpong of the National Democratic Party (NDP) and independent candidate Kofi Koranteng, who called for strong leadership, also filed their nominations that day. September 12 saw independent candidate Janet Nabla complete her submission, criticizing the nomination process’s complexity and advocating for greater digitalization. Akua Donkor of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) and Nana Frimpongmaa Sarpong Kumankumaa of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) also submitted their papers.
The final day, September 13, was characterized by a flurry of last-minute activity and drama. Bernard Mornah of the People’s National Convention (PNC) was the first to file, despite a legal dispute within his party involving defeated former flagbearer David Apasara. Dr. Daniel Augustus Lartey Jnr. of the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) and independent candidates Nana Stephens, Desmond Abrefa, Dr. Elder Paul Perko, James Kwesi Oppong, Dr. John Kpikpi, and Dr. Sam Ankrah also filed their nominations before the deadline.
Tensions rose when the Progressive People’s Party and independent candidate Dr. Amu Darko attempted to submit their nominations after the official closing time. Their late submissions were ultimately rejected. By the end of the filing period, 22 out of the 33 candidates had successfully completed the process, concluding a period marked by ambition, controversy, and a race against time.
SOURCE: https://dew360.net
Join our WhatsApp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakDz4u9RZATWh53yC1a
