Election results must be an eye opener to NPP - Aidoo

Wassa-Afransie (W/R), Dec. 29, GNA - The results of the recent general elections in the country has become and "eye opener" and a clear indication that the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in spite of its popularity among the people is not invincible.

Mr Joseph Boahen Aidoo, Western Regional Minister has therefore, called on the rank and file of the party that they have a lot of work to do to retain the party in power during the next elections in 2008.

"In order not to be overtaken by events, we must reflect on our performance in the elections and evolve more effective strategies that would ensure total victory, come 2008", he said.

The Regional Minister, who was addressing a victory rally organised by the Amenfi East constituency of the party at Wassa-Afransie on Tuesday, advised members of the party to avoid complacency and work to enhance the party's membership drive.

Mr Aidoo, who is the Member of Parliament for the area cited the result from the constituency and said even though he defeated his closest National Democratic Congress (NDC) contestant convincingly with more than 11,000 votes, he was not enthused.

This is because the NDC candidate, due to some technicalities started his political campaign in the constituency only two weeks to the elections.

"It is an eye opener and a warning for us to sit up and adopt effective measures to win the 2008 elections," Mr Aidoo said.

He thanked the people of the area for giving him and the NPP another mandate to steer the affairs of the country for the next four years and said the Government would not disappoint them.

Nana Adjei Fenah II, Chief of Wass-Afransie commended the Government for measures being adopted to reduce poverty and enhance wealth creation particularly, the efforts to revamp the cocoa industry. He appealed to cocoa farmers to adopt the time-tested method of harvesting, fermenting and drying of cocoa to maintain the country's image among its trading partners.

Nana Fenah appealed for assistance for the community to complete a clinic, market, water and school projects the people have initiated. Mr Freddie Blay, First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and MP for Ellembele and Mr Kwesi Binney, District Chief Executive for Ahanta West were among speakers at the rally, which was attended by a large number of NPP faithful.