GHANA POLITICAL ROUNDUP

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ACCRA 002240

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL GH
SUBJECT: GHANA POLITICAL ROUNDUP

REF: ACCRA 1757


1. SUMMARY: As the 2008 presidential/parliamentary elections
approach, two smaller parties - the Convention People's Party (CPP)
and the People's National Convention (PNC) - are determining their
respective Presidential candidates. Meanwhile, Ghanaian political
observers are increasingly concerned by the massive sums of money
already evident in the campaign, and Ghana election officials are
undergoing training in administering elections. Internationally,
President Kufuor has publicly highlighted the importance of
improving trade relations with China, and condemned the recent
killing of African Union (AU) peacekeepers in Sudan. Ghana will host
an AU Ministerial on October 26 and 27 which will focus on promoting
African unity. END SUMMARY.

CPP opens Nominations
--------------


2. On October 8, the Convention People's Party (CPP) opened
nominations to determine the party's candidate for the 2008
presidential elections. Despite a weak showing in the past two
presidential/parliamentary elections, the CPP has gained increased
attention for 2008 due to the presence of several high-profile
personalities contesting the CPP presidential nomination. On
October 22, nominations will close and vetting of the aspirants will
begin. In addition to nominating the presidential candidate, party
delegates will also elect senior party officials. Four candidates
have announced their interest in seeking the nomination including
former Minister for Public Sector Reform Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduoum and
prominent pathologist and former Ghana Health Service Director
General Dr. Agyeman Badu Akosa (reftel).

Ghanaian concerns over NPP money
--------------


3. Several civil society groups and prominent individuals allege
that NPP presidential candidates are using money and gifts to
influence potential party delegates, party executives and
journalists ahead of the NPP's December Congress. Former Minister of
Trade Alan Kyerematen has received most of the criticism due to his
flamboyant road shows and lavish advertisements as well as the
perception that he is President Kufuor's favorite for NPP nominee.
President Kufuor, however, has publicly stated that he is not
supporting Kyerematen.

Peoples National Convention (PNC) to hold Congress
-------------- --------------


4. The Peoples National Convention (PNC) will hold its Congress in
Bolgatanga from November 30 to December 2 to elect its 2008
presidential candidate and national officers. The PNC is taking
nominations from October 10-30. In addition to selecting candidates,
the Congress will consider PNC policy positions and possible
constitutional amendments.

EC officers prepare for 2008 elections
--------------


5. Nearly 200 election officers of the Electoral Commission (EC)
are undergoing a series of training courses designed by the African
Association of Electoral Authorities to sharpen their skills in
election administration ahead of the 2008 elections. The courses
opened on October 8 and EC Chairman Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Djan said the
sessions will lend additional credibility to the election. The
United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is funding the training.

Ghana to pursue deeper trade relationship with China
-------------- -


6. On October 9, President Kufuor said Ghana would pursue deeper
trade relationships with China, adding that China has plenty to
offer African countries. President Kufuor, speaking during the
Economist Conference Roundtable in Accra, said Ghana would work hard
to tap into China's expertise. President Kufuor also commended
China's approach to Africa, citing examples in infrastructure
development and especially the road sector. He said China's bids in
international tenders are more competitive than bids from European
countries or the U.S. He added that Ghana would continue to work
closely with all of its partners.

Ghana condemns killing of African Union Peacekeepers
-------------- --------------


7. On October 4, President Kufuor, wearing his hat as Chairman of
the African Union (AU),condemned the killing of 10 AU Peacekeepers
serving in Sudan's Darfur Region and gave the assurance that this
act would not deter Africa from pushing ahead with the goal of
bringing peace to all troubled spots on the Continent. The soldiers
(seven from Nigeria and one each from Senegal, Botswana and Mali)
died following an attack on the African Union Mission's (AMIS)
Haskanita Camp by a group of heavily armed men. Eight others were
seriously wounded. Jointly addressing the AU Commission and its
Permanent Representatives in Addis Ababa, President Kufuor said in

ACCRA 00002240 002 OF 002


order to prevent such acts from occurring again, the UN must
expedite action on the deployment of the "Heavy Support Package" to
AMIS and the AU-UN Hybrid Force to Darfur.

Ghana to host African Ministerial Committee Meeting
-------------- --------------


8. On October 26 and 27, Ghana will host the AU Ministerial
Committee Meeting. Briefing African Ambassadors on October 4,
Minister of Foreign Affairs Akwasi Osei Adjei said the meeting would
address the African unity theme discussed at the June AU Summit in
Accra. Adjei said the Ministers would look at the need for
collective responses to major global issues, the creation of an
African Common Market and involving more African people in economic
and political integration of the continent. He also said the
Ministerial would discuss the Abuja Economic Treaty, the
Constitutive Act and the Political and Economic integration
process.


9. The Ministerial Committee is made up of 10 members plus Ghana as
Committee Chair. The remainder of the committee is composed of two
member states from each of the five sub-regions. Currently, West
Africa is represented by Nigeria and Senegal, East Africa by
Ethiopia and Uganda, Southern Africa by Botswana and South Africa,
North Africa by Egypt and Libya, and Central Africa by Cameroon and
Gabon.

BROWN