NPP's affirmative action U-turn: we are a listening gov't in waiting - Akufo-Addo

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Created on Wednesday, 01 April 2015 00:00

NPP's affirmative action U-turn: we are a listening gov't in waiting - Akufo-Addo

01 April 2015

The New Patriotic Party is singing a new united chorus of being a listening party after putting brakes on a hugely controversial policy that left the party boiling for days.

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The party's flagbearer, Nana Akufo-Addo after a marathon meeting that reviewed the controversial affirmative action policy, Wednesday, said the party "listened" met and decided to shelve the controversial policy, at least for now.

He was quick to add though that the party firmly believes in the ideals of the policy describing it as a "firm step in getting the goal of equity for women" but added they will proceed to institutionalize the policy in the next annual congress of the party.

He was convinced though that the party's u-turn would make interest groups, especially women disappointed.

"If you get half the loaf instead of the whole loaf," obviously you will be disappointed, he indicated.

The NPP made the headlines following the controversial decision by the party's National Executive Committee to ban men from contesting 16 incumbent women Members of Parliament.

They also sought to discourage non-indigenes from contesting in some selected coastal areas in the Ga communities.

The policies drew fire and brimstone from the rank and file of the party. After huge protestations, the party has been forced to beat a retreat, announcing it will hold on to the implementation of the controversial policies.

Party Chairman Paul Afoko told Joy FM's Evans Mensah on Top Story Wednesday the new decision is a "clear sign of a party that listens and is not dictatorial."

He reiterated the party "still believes and stands by the policies," adding "we are going to have a comprehensive plan of implementation."

He added the party's directive on Ga indigenes was also misconstrued.

He maintained the policy was to encourage more indigenes to contest in the various constituencies and not to prevent non-indigenes from contesting.

Source:myjoyonline.com