Kukurudu Rocks Asamankese

The New Patriotic Party yesterday electrified Asamankese in the Eastern Region as they climaxed their 15th anniversary.

The rally which was nearly marred by a heavy downpour saw almost all the presidential aspirants present except two - Vice-President Aliu Mahama, who was said to be indisposed and Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, who was also said to be in the Northern Region, attending to the flood victims.

Almost all the aspirants who were allotted two minutes each spoke on the need to be united.

They all pledged to support whoever was elected by the delegates at the December congress.

Dr. Arthur-Kennedy, who set the tone for unity and togetherness, reminded the party of the 1979 episode which brought division in the party, causing their defeat.

On his part, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo told delegates to elect a striker to fight for the party in the 2008 general elections.

According to him, the 2008 elections would be a "Champions of Champions" elections.

Dr. Kwame Addo-Kufuor recounted the achievements of NPP under President Kufuor's led administration, including the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), massive improvements in the Road sector and others.

Prof Mike Oquaye also echoed the sentiments of Dr. Addo-Kufuor.

Dr. Yaw Osafo Maafo during his turn paid a tribute to the party's foot-soldiers.

Mr. Hackman Owusu Agyemang mentioned for the need for unity. To him, it was only unity that could lead the party to victory.

Paapa Owusu-Ankomah also stressed the achievements of the NPP government.

Mr. Nkrabeah Effah-Darteh sang a gospel song to the admiration of all the party members present.

He appealed to all the aspirants to desist from casting insinuation against one another.

President Kufuor noted that all the aspirants were well qualified to lead the party, adding that God had given them something to be given to the nation through NPP.

He said NPP was a party of destiny and that God had blessed the party.

Almost all the aspirants came with their supporters amidst brass band. the Veep who was not present had his supporters in their numbers representing him and propagating his campaign message.

Those present at the function included all the national party executives and other regional executives, ministers and party members.