Several members of the People’s National Convention (PNC) aspiring to contest the party’s flagbearer position have strongly opposed the hundred thousand cedis (GHC100,000) filing fee.
Former General Secretary, Bernard Mornah and Sampson Asaki Awingobit are among those who question the logic behind a party aiming to attract more voters raising its filing fees, potentially discouraging candidates from contesting.
During the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting last week, the PNC opened nominations for various party positions. This meeting was the first since the party’s General Secretary departed to revive the People’s National Party (PNP).
The NEC set the filing fee for the flagbearer position at GHC100,000, doubling the previous fee of GHC50,000. Additionally, potential parliamentary aspirants must pay GHC10,000 for nomination forms, also a 100% increase.
The announcement of these fees has sparked controversy among party members interested in the flagbearer position.
Bernard Mornah, a former General Secretary, expressed concern that a financially constrained party like the PNC would raise filing fees, thereby preventing capable individuals from running.
He questioned the rationale behind the significant fee hike, noting that traditionally, filing fees have not been a primary source of party funding.
He asked, “over the years, it is not filing fees that has been used to finance activities of the party so why this huge increment?”
He further indicated that, “If left with me alone, I can afford GH¢110k, but the situation is that we are seeking to make the party attractive and we expected that things will be right for everybody who can contest without money becoming a barrier.”
Sampson Asaki Awingobit echoed Mornah’s concerns, stating that the NEC’s decision to raise the filing fees was inappropriate.
The People’s National Convention aspires to become a significant force in the country’s political arena. However, members argue that more inclusive measures are needed to achieve this goal.