Takoradi, Dec. 20, GNA - The opening of a three-day prayer and fasting programme organised by the Western Regional Branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the December 22 congress received low patronage. The event was organised to enable supporters and sympathisers of the party to pray for a successful congress and the election of a God fearing leader.

Only 50 people made up of ministers of the gospel, journalists, party sympathisers and gospel musicians attended the programme in spite of radio announcements and invitations to all churches within the Shama Ahanta East Metropolis.

The Jubilee Park, the venue for the programme, was in total darkness and two Nissan pickups had to use their headlights to brighten the venue until a generator was secured while the microphones also malfunctioned. Six metro mass transit buses placed at vantage points within the metropolis to convey people to the programme returned empty and the programme, which was slated for 1900 hours, started at 2025 hours. In a sermon Reverend Augustine K. Newman, founder of the School of the Spirit International, said the congress would be peaceful and orderly. He said God had chosen Ghana and it needed leaders who could position the country appropriately and hear the voice of God. "We need leaders who will safeguard our integrity and transform the hopes and aspirations of the people into reality," he said. Rev. Newman said Election 2008 would be peaceful and there would be no chaos or confusion before, during and after the December general elections.

He said the fortunes of the Western Region would shine next year. Mr Anthony E. Amoah, Western Regional Minister, said the NPP and Ghana needed a God fearing leader and appealed to people to fast in support of the programme adding, "We need to forgive one another."