Reform Party to merge with Nkrumaist parties

THE National Reform Party has reiterated its commitment to merge with the other parties of the Nkrumaist tradition such as the Convention People?s Party (CPP) and the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) to form the New Convention People?s Party (NCPP) to enhance their chances of annexing political power in the 2004 general elections.

The resolution was adopted at an extra-ordinary national congress held at the EUSBETT Hotel, Sunyani, at the weekend.

The 79 delegates, drawn from all parts of the country, raised concerns about the debate taking place on the merger issues by the CPP, the draft constitution of the merger and whether the merged parties should form an electoral alliance with the ruling NPP.

Other important issues the delegates deliberated on at the congress included the poor state of community leadership in Ghana, the national leadership of the Reform Party and current international crisis over Iraq.

Addressing the delegates, the leader of the party, Mr Goosie Tandoh, praised them for bearing their own transport expenses to attend the congress.

He said by their action, they have demonstrated that the people are no longer in want of patronage because they are ready to sacrifice to do party work.

? The only way to move the nation forward is to get committed people and use the power reposed in them to develop the country,?? Mr Tandoh emphasised.

Mr Opoku Kyeretwie, the General Secretary of the party, stressed that if the current international crisis in Iraq is not resolved immediately, it will escalate and lead to increase in fuel prices, thereby bringing untold hardships to Third World countries.

He also expressed concern about moves by America to get rid of President Saddam Hussein for it to rule Iraq during the transitional period before returning it to democratic rule.

The National Chairman, Mr Peter Kpordogbe, also commended the delegates for travelling long distances to attend the congress at this period when Ghanaians are facing serious financial difficulties.

Other speakers at the congress included the party?s vice-presidential candidate in the 2000 general elections, Mr Kosiba.