A group within the People?s National Convention (PNC) calling itself the Caucus for Strategic Progress has given the party?s flag-bearer, Hassan Ayariga, a two-week ultimatum to render an unqualified apology to the entire membership or resign over his recent comments on the formation of the new National Democratic Party (NDP).
The group is worried about Ayariga?s concentration on matters which do not add value to the PNC?s course with just five months to the December general elections.
Its National Coordinator, who doubles as the PNC?s Policy Analyst, Atik Mohammed, gave the ultimatum at a news conference at the party?s headquarters in Accra.
?We are calling on the flag-bearer, Mr. Hassan Ayariga, based on the embarrassment and anguish he has put the party through by his actions, to publicly render an unqualified apology to the National Executive Committee as well as the rank and file of the party within 14 days or resign. Failure to do this will attract a major response from us,? Mohammed served notice.
?We wish to state that the Presidential candidate appears to be losing focus finding expression in his rather inexplicable welcome of the President [John Evans Atta Mills] and his uninvited comments on the formation of new parties in Ghana; we are yet to understand why the candidate elected himself to go to the airport amidst NDC supporters to welcome the President without prior knowledge of the party.?
He lamented that ?this singular action by the flag-bearer has discouraged and disappointed almost every member of the party as it raised serious questions of independence and loyalty.?
?It is important to note that the flag-bearer has occasioned a great deal of disquiet to the grassroots of the party by his attitude and actions; for almost six months after his election as the flag-bearer, he is yet to visit the various constituencies to say thank you much less, start his campaign,? the group claimed.
He indicated that Ayariga?s conduct has discouraged party members who expected his candidature to improve the party?s electoral fortune come the December general elections.
?His colleagues in other parties are feverishly running around canvassing support; visiting every village and town possible; the effect of this conduct is agitation and worries at the lower levels causing some of our dear comrades to want to remain apathetic and in some situations, cross over to other parties.?
Mohammed also accused the party?s national chairman, Alhaji Ahmed Ramadan, and the General Secretary, Bernard Mornah, of abandoning their responsibilities.
