NPP would hand over power to NPP - Akuffo-Addo

Koforidua, Jan. 13, GNA -- The presidential candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo has assured that, the party would make a new political history by handing over to itself come January 7, 2009.

He therefore implored the party foot soldiers to vigorously work towards that objective.

Nana Akuffo-Addo said this when he addressed the party faithful at a thanksgiving rally at Koforidua, to show his appreciation to the delegates for electing him at the just ended congress to lead the party for this year's national election.

He observed that, contrary to speculations that the party would be divided after the congress due to the large number of contestants, the NPP had showed maturity and democracy at it best to the admiration of all and even its opponents.

Nana Akuffo-Addo said now that the congress was over and even the contenders had thrashed out their differences, it beholds on party supporters to do the same and forge ahead in unity, whiles working for the realization of the party's victory.

He also called for a cordial relationship between the party and the government, saying that, winning the election this year largely depends on the good works of the government, which must be propagated by the supporters of the party.

Nana Akuffo-Addo advised the party supporters who have attained 18 years to register when the voters-register is opened in March this year.

He said the NPP had always carried out its campaign with decorum and would do same this year, assuring that the tactics and strategies to be adopted would let the NPP win the election one touch.

Nana Akuffo-Addo promised to work tirelessly with all executives and members of the party and said the party was going to strengthen its grassroots structures.

The General Secretary of the party, Nana Ohene Ntow noted that the peace that was prevailing in the party after the congress was a clear manifestation that, the party had come of age in democracy and would continue to prove to Ghanaians that they really understood democracy.

He said the performance of the party during past elections was commendable and explained that, in 1996, the party won 61 parliamentary seats and it went up 103 in 2000 then to 128 in 2004, and assured that this year, the party was targeting 140 seats in Parliament.

Nana Akuffo-Addo was accompanied to the rally grounds by 13 of the 17 aspirants, who contested the NPP flagbearership with him.

They were Mr Alan Kyerematen, Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku, Prof. Mike Ocquaye, Prof Frimpong Boateng, Mr Hackman Owusu Agyemang, Mr Felix Owusu Agyepong, Papa Owusu Ankomah, Dr Addo Kufuor, Mr Yaw Osafo Maafo, Mr Kwabena Agyepong, Mr Agyarko Kyrematen, Mr Dan Botwe and Mr Jake Obetsebi Lamptey.

They pledged their unflinching support to Nana Akuffo-Addo to retain power for the party.

Nana Akuffo-Addo had held similar thanksgiving rallies in other regional capitals including Cape Coast, Tamale, Sunyani, Ho, Tarkoradi, Wa and Kumasi.