The Central Regional Vetting Committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has refuted allegations of scheming to disqualify parliamentary aspirants, asserting that such claims are baseless and without merit.
Earlier in the week, supporters of Dr. Robert Arkoh, an aspirant from Upper Denkyira East, raised concerns about what they perceived as an unfair attempt to disqualify him.
The Vetting Committee, however, dismissed these assertions, emphasizing its commitment to transparency and fairness.
Madam Rita Yalata Asobayire, NPP Second National Vice Chairperson and Chairperson of the Vetting Committee's Team A, addressed the issue, stating, “The allegations were unfounded as members on the committee had no interest in eliminating aspirants from the race.”
She further emphasized that the committee was not influenced by external pressures and had conducted a transparent and open vetting process.
“Sometimes it is the supporters who create problems and not the candidates. We want to take out somebody to do what? We are not interested in the seats here; we can't contest here, we are not from here,” Madam Asobayire asserted.
Highlighting the satisfaction of the aspirants with the vetting process, she stated, “None of the candidates who came here has complained to us, and they were all very happy with the process. We are not here to favour any candidate because we don't have any interest.”
Madam Asobayire assured that the committee would diligently fulfil its mandate without fear or favour, regardless of external pressures. She shared her observations with the media, noting that all candidates met the eligibility criteria outlined in the national and party constitutions.
While acknowledging the vetting committee's role, Madam Asobayire cautioned that final decisions rested with the National Executive Committee. “We will send the report to the National Executive Committee because they have the final say. By Monday, we will reach out to everybody,” she stated.
On Wednesday, the committee vetted two candidates from Upper Denkyira East and four aspirants from Assin Central, as part of its ongoing process. A total of 27 aspirants from 10 constituencies, where the party has sitting Members of Parliament, are set to undergo vetting.
