NPP Diaspora branches congratulate Nana Akufo-Addo

Accra, Jan. 3, GNA - The United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Wednesday promised to support the newly elected flagbearer, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to retain power for the ruling party.

"In Nana Akufo-Addo the party sees the next leader that we can all unite solidly behind for victory in Election 2008 to ensure that NPP hands over to NPP to build upon the firm social-economic foundation of President John Agyekum Kufuor for economic take off," the branch stated in an electronic message to the Ghana News Agency in Accra. The statement signed by Mr Hayford Atta-Krufi, Chairman of the branch, also commended the 16 other gallant flagbearer aspirants for accepting the outcome of the December 22 Special National Delegates Congress, "this demonstrate your political maturity and commitment to the philosophy of the Danquah/Busia/Dombo tradition.

"The UK and Ireland branch of NPP would like to thank the other contestants, especially Mr Allan John Kwadwo Kyerematen for his magnanimous gesture in conceding defeat and pledging his full support to Nana Akufo-Addo just after the declaration of the results," the statement noted.

Mr Kyerematen, on December 23, stood down after the first round of voting to pave the way for Nana Akufo-Addo to lead NPP to Election 2008.

The UK branch noted: "Nana Akufo-Addo's victory is a victory for the entire party besides the party, there were no winners at December Congress and certainly there were no losers, instead we saw magnificent 17 party faithfuls who put up a good fight."

Mr Atta-Krufi said it was, therefore, important for members and stakeholders of the NPP to rally behind Nana Akufo-Addo in unity to prepare the party for the general election.

The branch also commended the National Executive Committee led by the Mr Peter Mac Manu, National Chairman, the electoral committee and President Kufuor for endorsing Nana Akufo-Addo as his successor Flagbearer.

It also commended the delegates for taking a decision, which according to the branch "has proved so right, conscientious and so principled. You are the true foot soldiers and you deserve every commendation".

"To Nana Akufu-Addo, we say your choice as the next leader has come at a crucial time when Ghana needs the NPP to remain in power as the natural party to govern our good people. We must, therefore, do everything to convince Ghanaians that we cannot afford another backward turn to doom and gloom. This is our straight forward task."

At the close of over 16-hours of voting and counting, Nana Akufo-Addo obtained 1,096 of the total 2,285 valid votes cast, representing about 47.97 per cent; Mr Kyerematen polled 738 votes representing about 32.30 per cent while the Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama placed third with 146 votes representing about 6.39 per cent. Eight votes were rejected.

After series of consultations, Mr Kyeremanten conceded defeat to Nana Akufo-Addo.