GCPP Snubs NDC

The Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) said it has rejected moves by the main opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for an electoral alliance for the 2004 general elections.

The Leader of GCPP, Dan Lartey, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview in Accra that the party was ready and could stand on its own to redeem Ghana from poverty, mismanagement and lack of comprehensive policy direction for the country.

He said the GCPP had over the years through consistency and good leadership style built and developed a sound policy and vision for the nation, which it would not allow any political party to tarnish.

Mr. Lartey said the National Chairman of NDC, Dr Obed Asamoah called at the GCPP office on Tuesday morning to discuss the possibility of forming a political alliance for the 2004 general election.

He said Dr Asamoah identified the potential and capabilities of the GCPP for the 2004 elections, hence the move for an alliance.

According to Mr. Lartey, both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the NDC has credibility problems and has lost the confidence the electorate reposed in them. "These parties have failed the people soon after assuming office and the only alternative is for the GCPP to take over come 2004."

The GCPP leader noted that "the Concept of Domestication," had been tested and accepted by the electorate, who are patiently waiting for 2004 to express it through the power of the thumb.

Mr. Lartey also noted that the low turn out at the recent local government elections was a reflection of the loss of confidence in the electoral system by the electorate.

Meanwhile the NDC Chairman, Dr Asamoah, who confirmed that he visited the GCPP, said the party would continue to explore possibilities of co-operating with other opposition parties.

Dr Asamoah in a telephone interview with the GNA said although the door had been closed with GCPP now, "in politics you never give up and events leading to the 2004 general elections would determine directions and actions for the parties".

He, however, said people should not consider the moves to work with other opposition parties as a weakness in the NDC and their inability to contest for the elections alone.

Dr Asamoah said on the contrary NDC is firmly building its structures and is capable of winning the 2004 elections alone. "But we would consider moving with parties that are dissatisfied with the rule of President John Agyekum Kufuor's administration," he said.