Volta Regional Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) Kwadwo Gyapong has defended the decision by the Regional Executives to charge new parliamentary aspirants 10, 000 cedis as development levy.
The Regional Executives say the development levy which is described as the “world bank” is to help the party embark on some projects.
[contextly_sidebar id=”A0ZzKbZQdvUO4qTxaV1LokTSwzP4Nc70″]Some party members in the Volta Region have however expressed misgivings about the levy which they say is discriminatory.
They believe the move is a calculated attempt to prevent young, hardworking and qualified members to contest and participate and deepen the democratic process.
Per the arrangement incumbent MPs are to pay 5,000 cedis while new entrants are to pay 10,000 as development levy.
Speaking to Citi News, the Volta Regional of the NDC, Kwadwo Gyapong however insisted the decision will be carried through.
“In Volta region, the party is so solid and we work so hard so we are saying anybody who wants to come and contest on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) should also contribute something for the development of the party.
“This decision was not taken by one person, it was taken at REC[Regional Executive Committee] meeting where everybody who is a REC member was concerned and they all agreed that anybody who wants to contest election, if he is a new comer who hasn’t helped the party in anyway to contribute so much.”
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By: Marian Efe Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana