'Thank you tour' not to test Akufo-Addo's popularity - NPP

The Ashanti regional chairman of the New Patriotic Party, F.F Antoh, has dismissed claims that the “Thank You Tour” by the leadership of the party is to test the popularity of its 2012 flagbearer, Nana Akufo-Addo, and his chances for 2016.

According to Mr. Antoh, the ‘Thank You Tour’ is to show appreciation to supporters of the party who risked their lives before, during and after the 2012 elections.

Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia kick started their thank you tour at the weekend.

Dr. Bawumia has been tasked by the 2012 Flagbearer to continue the tour as he takes a short break in the UK.

But some members of the party have described the move as unnecessary.

A leading member of the party, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, in an interview with XYZ News described the ‘Thank You Tour’ as needless.

He said the two politicians and the party executives embarking on the tour have an ulterior motive.

Mr. Asamoah Boateng added that it is not fair to the rest of the party and suggests that focus must be put on strengthening the party’s structures.

However, speaking on Radio XYZ’s Strict Proof on Monday, Mr. F.F Antoh stated that Nana Addo’s popularity has already been established and needs not to be tested by the tour.

“Nana Addo is popular...I was with him the Sunday before the verdict was delivered and if you saw the reaction he had, I don’t think that he would want to test his popularity”.

He described as misplaced calls for the leadership of the party to focus and strengthen internal structures, saying the NPP has one of the best party structures in the country.