Some members of the Peoples National Convention (PNC) vying for the party’s flagbearer position have strongly opposed the newly imposed filing fee of one hundred thousand cedis.
Former General Secretary Bernard Mornah and Sampson Asaki Awingobit are perplexed by the decision to drastically increase the fees, which they argue could deter potential candidates from participating in the party’s internal elections.
The PNC’s National Executive Council (NEC) recently convened to open nominations for various party positions, marking its first meeting since the party’s former General Secretary split to revive the People’s National Party (PNP).
During this session, the NEC set the filing fee for the flagbearer position at GHC 100,000. This fee represents a 100% increase from the previous GHC50,000 fee.
Similarly, potential parliamentary candidates must pay GHC10,000 for nomination forms, also doubled from previous amounts.
The announcement of these increased fees has sparked controversy within the party, with several members expressing concern that such steep fees could restrict participation in internal party processes.
Bernard Mornah, in particular, voiced his dismay over the decision, arguing that the PNC, which faces financial constraints, should not deter potential contenders by setting exorbitant filing fees.
He asked, “over the years, it is not filing fees that have been used to finance the 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 could contest without money becoming a barrier.”
Sampson Asaki Awingobit, another member of the party, has also raised objections to the National Executive Council’s decision to increase the filing fees.
According to him, the decision by the NEC to raise the filing fee was inappropriate.
The People’s National Convention aims to establish itself as a viable third political force in the country’s political landscape, but significant efforts are still required to achieve this goal.