420k Filing Fee: Rawlings Calls for Reduction

Former President Jerry John Rawlings has expressed concern about the huge increase in the filing fee for the presidential primaries of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and called on the party’s National Executive Committee to take a second look at the decision.

Founder of NDC, Mr Rawlings warned that certain actions or decisions could either be a reflection of the circumstances of the NDC’s birth or ”mark a departure from where we are coming from as a party”.

“I doubt if anyone of us who has served with integrity, relying on our salaries can raise these filing fees unless we engaged in some unethical behaviour while in office; Unless we abused or misused our positions during our tenure,” the former President said.

The former President said with the aspirants having barely two weeks to raise the high amount, an understanding may be created that the party is being handed over to the highest bidder.

Flt Lt Rawlings made the call on Friday when the newly elected National Executive Committee of the party called on him at his Ridge office.

The party’s founder advised the National Executive Committee to review their decision and find alternatives to address the legitimate concern of raising funds to finance the presidential elections.

Rawling’s comments follows concerns over what has been described as the exorbitant fees the party seeks its presidential aspirants to pay in their bid to lead the party into election 2020 as flagbearers.

So far flagbearer-aspirants including Ekwow Spio Garbrah, Nii Amassah Namoale, a Campaign Coordinator for Professor Joshua Alabi and Steven Atubigah have variously said the amount is too much for the position.

For Nii Amassah Namoale, he insists the amount is “outrageous” and further called on the Council of Elders of the NDC to intervene. We will like to appeal to the Council of Elders to meet with the NEC to review that amount.”

The NDC on Thursday pegged the price of nomination forms of the party at GH¢20,000 while candidates are required to pay another GH¢400,000 as filing fee.

The filing fee for women and persons with disabilities will be GH 200,00