NPP Targets 140 Seats in 2004

NPP's GENERAL SECRETARY, Mr. Dan Botwe, has announced the party's determination to retain power by winning 140 seats in the next elections.

He said this is necessary to enable the party carry out its policies through in Parliament. Botwe, who was addressing a regional rally in Kumasi last weekend to mark the 10th anniversary of the founding of the party, charged members to constitute themselves into organizers to achieve this objective.

The chief scribe expressed the NPP government's determination to make democracy work. "We would not be deterred by evil forces against us," he said.

According to him, the government would make sacrifices to improve the lot of Ghanaians.

"The government is prepared to provide the "shock absorbers to cushion the effects of the shattered economy and keep the wheel of government running," he assured.

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Kofi Apraku, hinted that the NPP was working hard to surprise Ghanaians.

He said even though the government might not have the magic to solve all problems at a go, it would certainly work to bring relief to Ghanaians.

Apraku said plans to reactivate the jute and shoe factories in Kumasi were far advanced and that "soon" they would be re-opened to provide employment for the youth.

He also disclosed that as a result of the tireless efforts of the President at investment drive, about 20 new firms have been established in the free zone.

The senior minister, Mr. J. H. Mensah, said the government was initiating pragmatic programmes to avoid waste in the system.

According to him, a total of ?20 billion was ready for disbursement to women under the government's poverty alleviation programme.

The Regional Minister and MP for Subin, Hon. S. K. Boafo, assured the party's supporters that government functionaries would strictly adhere to the zero tolerance for corruption policy "in order to sustain the confidence of the electorate in the Kufuor administration."