The Executive Director of Civil Society Organization Northern Patriots in Research and Advocacy Bismarck Adongo Ayorogo has responded to questions on whether his participation in the just ended Council of State membership election makes him a member of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).
In an interview on State of Our Nation on Dreamz FM, Bismarck Adongo noted that the Council of State membership is a non-partisan position and thus, his participation in the race for the Upper East Regional representative does not necessarily make him a member of any political party.
“I’m not sure the EC called for members of the National Democratic Congress to file a contest. And when I picked the form, they didn’t ask for my membership card of the NDC. So I think that it is not a partisan political position. And because of that, I don’t think it should be partisan,” he stated.
He added that the current administration has demonstrated commitment to working with anybody capable of making meaningful contribution to the development of the country regardless of their political stance.
He recalled instances he had had engagements with President Mahama and contributed to policy frameworks in his last administration.
“I’ve had an opportunity to do an effective engagement with President Mahama. And without necessarily being asked to declare whether I’m part A or part B.”.
“And if you also look at President Mahama and the NDC, it appears they’re extending a hand of invitation to everybody who can make meaningful contribution to the development of this country, without necessarily limiting them to card-bearing members. And you can see some of the appointments.”
Bismarck Adongo Ayorogo was among seven contestants for the Upper East Regional representative on the Council of State.
The Council of State is an advisory body that counsel the President on decision-making.
At the end of polls in the Upper East Region, the Paramount Chief of the Chiana Traditional Area Pe Ditundini Adiali Ayagitam III claimed the region’s slot after securing 18 of the total of 30 votes cast.
Thomas More followed him distantly with 5 votes while Peter Baba Aluze-ele and Justice Aduko obtained 3 and 2 votes respectively.
Balinia Adda Dennis and Bismarck Adongo Ayorogo both managed only a vote each with Elias Ayinbila Apasiya recording no vote.
Bismarck Adongo said although he wasn’t shocked by the outcome, he had been very confident of winning.
