VP Amissah-Arthur: Remain in the NDC, don’t break away

Vice President Paa Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur on Thursday urged some members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) who want to break away, to rethink their decision and stay in the party.

With several examples, the Veep explained that breaking from the mainstream NDC, formed in 1992, for another party or going solo after losing any primaries had in no way helped the dissenters.

The Vice President made the appeal when he addressed party supporters at Agona Nkwanta, in the Ahanta West Constituency as part of three-day tour of the Western Region.

He described the NDC as a”big family “and said any differences should be solved amicably to attract more people to the party to vote for it to retain power for another term.

He said he had consequently directed the Ahanta West NDC Parliamentary candidate for the December 2012 elections, Mr George Aboagye to convene a meeting to iron out all differences among party members and report back to him next week in Ho, when the party launch’s its manifesto.

The Vice President, accompanied by wife Matilda, is touring the Western Region, to seek the blessing of the people of the homeland of the wife after his outdooring as the running mate of the NDC flagbearer President Dramani Mahama in Ghana‘s 2012 elections.

Also in the Vice President’s entourage were Mr. Paul Evans Aidoo, Western Regional Minister, Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah, MP for Ellembelle and Mr. Lee Ocran, Minister of Education.

According to Vice President Amissah-Arthur, a “one touch” victory for the NDC, with a wide margin of more than 75 per cent would only be possible with unity, love and peace among party members and appealed for an end to the bickering and rancour.

He stressed forgiveness and cautioned against what has come to be known as “skirt and blouse” voting.

“Don’t vote skirt and blouse: vote Mahama as President and George Aboagye as MP for Agona West” Vice President Ammissah- Arthur said, and introduced Mr. Aboagye, to the electorate.

“Please, forgive him if there is any grievance, he has also forgiven you,” the Vice President added.

Mrs Amissah-Arthur said under no circumstances should the 2012 elections be characterized by violence.

She said love, unity and co-operation were needed to make the elections peaceful, and asked NDC supporters not to return insults on their opponents.

Mr. Aboagye urged the electorate to retain the NDC in power for a rapid development of the area, saying that, the New Patriotic Party winning had been winning the constituency for the past 16 years.

“This is the time for change in Ahanta West,” Mr Aboagye said.