DFP congress kick-off

Accra, April 05, GNA - The much publicised Special National Delegates Congress of the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) to select a flag bearer and confirm the 21 national executive officers took-off in Accra on Saturday without the usual euphoric atmosphere associated with such events.

The party would be the fifth political party to elect its flag bearer for Election 2008 after the main opposition National Democratic Congress

(NDC) had elected Professor John Evans Atta Mills, in December 2007. The People's National Convention (PNC) followed up in November 2007 month to elect Dr. Edward Mahama for the fourth time running to contest for the election, whilst the Convention People's Party (CPP) elected Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom in December and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) elected Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo also in December last year.

Ghana News Agency observed that three hours after the advertised time for the commencement of the proceedings, the main hall was half empty, whilst leading members kept on pacing up and down the corridors giving out instructions.

In spite of the challenges, the enthusiasm of delegates, observers, aspirants and the cross-section of the supporters were however hyped up with some Ghanaian cultural display, especially dancers from the northern part of the country who displayed their physical fitness through the dance. In all, about 1,490 delegates from the 230 constituencies, patrons of the party and overseas branches with voting right would be voting to elect a flag bearer to lead the party for Election 2008.

Mr. John Amekah a Deputy General Secretary in-Charge of Finance and Administration, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency assured Ghanaians of a very transparent and fair congress.

He debunked the notion of a rift after the congress, stressing that the party would come out more united and intact and would move ahead to chalk the biggest electoral upset in the nation's democratic history.