NDC quashes suspension of Kwesi Dawood by Central Regional executive committee
The suspension of the Central Regional communication officer of the National Democratic Congress has been quashed by the Functional Executive Committee of the party at a meeting held yesterday, October 13, 2021, citing that it is not only prejudicial to the matter pending in Court, but that same violates the rights of a criminally accused person to a fair trial and the rules of natural justice.
Mr Kwesi Dawood had initially been suspended by the Central Regional branch of the main opposition party for alleged misconduct. He was accused of allegedly committing an incestuous act with his biological daughter which resulted in a pregnancy that was aborted.
Regional Secretary of the NDC Mr Kojo Quansah, confirmed the suspension on Monday, October 11.
He explained that Mr Dawood’s suspension was in line with the party’s Constitutional provisions on misconduct and anti-party behaviour.
“Now, we want to put it on record that Mr Dawood is suspended as the Regional Communications Officer until further notice,” he said and noted that the NDC could not pretend to be unconcerned about the incident.
But a statement issued by the Functional Executive Committee (FEC) and signed by the General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketia has reversed the decision saying it “has taken note of reports in the media that the Central Regional Communication Officer, Mr Kwesi Dawood has been suspended by the Central Regional Executive Committee of the party over some allegations that are pending before a Court of Competent Jurisdiction”.
“Our attention has also been drawn to media interviews granted by the Central Regional Secretary of the party, Mr Kojo Quansah in which he confirmed the said decision by the Central Regional Executive Committee.
“The Functional Executive Committee of the party at its meeting held today, 13th October 2021 took the view that the suspension of Mr Kwesi Dawood is not only prejudicial to the matter pending in Court, but that same violates the rights of a criminally accused person to a fair trial, the rules of natural justice and Article 46(1)(a)(c)(d) of the NDC Constitution which provides as follows;
Article 46: SPECIAL COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE
(1) A Special Complaints Committee comprising three (3) members shall be established at various levels of the party structure to perform the following functions:
(a) Receive complaints at various levels related to acts or omissions by PARTY OFFICE HOLDERS that constitute a breach of chapter eight on the Code of Conduct and the Disciplinary Code.
(c) The Special Complaints Committee shall investigate the matter complained of and make appropriate recommendations to the NEXT LEVEL and
(d) THE LEADERSHIP OF THE NEXT LEVEL shall deal with the report on the complaints as appropriate. It is evident from the foregoing, that only the Functional Executive Committee at the national level of the party has the power to suspend an office holder of the party at the regional level.
“Consequently, FEC has quashed the purported suspension of Central Regional Communication Officer, Mr. Kwesi Dawood by the Central Regional Executive Committee of the party, as same is wrongful and without regard for due process.
“As a law-abiding party, we do not and will not condone crime of any form. Neither will we judge an accused person unheard nor presume him guilty until proven innocent. Thus, the Functional Executive Committee will abide by the decision of the Court hearing the matter on the guilt or innocence of the accused person, before we decide on whether or not he should be subjected to disciplinary proceedings of the party.
“The leadership of the party will be meeting with the Central Regional Executive Committee in the coming days to resolve all outstanding issues. We urge all officials and members of the Party in the Central Region, particularly members of the Communication Team to stay focused and work hard with a united sense of purpose towards the Victory 2024 Agenda of the party.”
By: Stella Annan | myactiveonline.com Twitter @activetvgh
