An aspiring General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party, Charles Bissue, has withdrawn from the race.
The former Western Region Secretary of the party threw in his candidature to unseat incumbent John Boadu.
However, on Wednesday, July 13, a few days to the polls, Mr. Bissue says he will no longer contest.
He was Number 4 on the ballot.
In a letter to the Executive Council of the party, Charles Bissue said he took the decision in consultation with the various stakeholders.
“I tender herein, my withdrawal from the General Secretary contest of the New Patriotic Party. My decision is a sequel to broad consultations with family, promoters and supporters, delegates, and well-wishers of my campaign.”
“I am convinced, and reiterate that the various contenders for the position are equally deserving of the position of a General Secretary. It is my prayer that delegates of this great Party make the right choice in electing amongst the remaining candidates, the best to lead the NPP into another political cycle; and that of course is to break the 8-year jinx.”
“I assure the Party of my support to whoever gets elected as the General Secretary and to be of service to the Party when called upon. [Reference section “My Agenda 4 Change” for a read on some of the various policies, strategies, etc. I intended to deploy when elected as General Secretary],” the letter stated.
Forty-seven aspirants have been approved by the elections committee of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) to stand for national executive positions from Friday 15 July 2022.
In all, ten positions are up for grabs – the national chairmanship, first, second and third vice-chairs, general secretary, national organizer, national youth organizer, national treasurer, national women’s organizer, and national Nasara coordinator.
Read details of his full statement below
WITHDRAWAL FROM THE NPP GENERAL SECRETARY RACE
On Wednesday, 13 July 2022, I officially withdrew my aspiration for the General Secretary position of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). A letter has been issued to that effect, to the National Election Committee, and that I believe was received in good faith.
In the spirit of the Party’s constitution as stipulated in Article 10 (4), I presented myself as a nominee for the General Secretary position, to which, I was duly vetted and passed by the Elections Committee. I secured the 4th position among five other contenders on the ballot paper.
My campaign was strongly articulated with an assurance of transforming the Party into effective political machinery that inspires confidence and trust within the Party and among Ghanaians. My message of change was well received by the masses of delegates and party people across the country.
I have impressed on the Party that the New Patriotic Party requires transformation – a transformation that embraces scientific and innovative electoral strategies and systems, and effective Party management.
Delegates had high hopes of the change I am capable of effecting in the Party should I become the General Secretary. Though I am stepping out of this contest, I am willing to share with whoever gets elected as the General Secretary, and the Party in general, the knowledge, ideas and tools I had intended to use in rebuilding the Party into prominence and sustained political power.
As a Patriot, I will continue to serve in any capacity, and pursue the interest of the Party at all times. To my Party people and particularly delegates, I urge you to uphold the tenets of our Party’s constitution, values and principles in all endeavors.
The Ghanaian is super sensitive to the manner in which we conduct our internal elections. I pray, therefore, that, in unity, we allow delegates to freely make a choice for its leadership for the next four-year term.
I wish to conclude with my appreciation for the support given me over the past years and in recent times by Party people, supporters and the Ghanaian media. The quest to serve is not over yet.
Kukrudu!!!
Signed