Kumasi, Nov. 20, GNA - The Concerned Youth of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Oforikrom Constituency have appealed to the electorate to vote the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) out of power, saying the country has experienced "Eight years of political and socio-economic downturn."

It called for the return of the NDC to power since the party is more democratic and committed to the plight of the masses than the NPP. This was contained in a statement issued in Kumasi by the group on Tuesday and signed by Mr. Galley K. Richmond, leader of the group. The statement said since the NPP came to power in 2001, the country had experienced poverty, corruption, arrogance, disrespect for rule of law and witch hunting of political opponents.

It also accused the NPP government of broken promises and shattered dreams, adding that the so called presidential intervention has not shown any sign of relief from economic bondage. The statement cited the Oforikrom Constituency as a typical example of neglect by the representative in Parliament, saying it faces sanitation problems and lacks access to good drinking water. "The MP has not used her position to develop her constituency", it said.

The statement called for peace in the coming election and urged the Electoral Commission to demonstrate a true sense of neutrality and supervision to ensure a free and fair election. "It is time for us to vote out this government in order to secure the future of the nation", the statement said.