No alternative to NPP ? former Speaker

The former Speaker of Parliament, Peter Ala Adjetey who is also the new Chairman for the Constitutional and Legal Committee of the New Patriotic Party, has said that there is no alternative to the NPP. It was up to its members to remain and be loyal and committed to the activities of the party.

The former NPP National Chairman, who caused a stir on January 7, 2005 when the Minority in Parliament backed him against his party?s chosen successor to his role as Speaker, also called on Ghanaians to keep their faith in the progress of this country in the hands of the NPP.

?I have been in politics for over 40 years and I can say that NPP is the best party so far.? He was, however, quick to add that people should not quote him as advocating for a singular party system in Ghana.

He said this when the ruling party inaugurated a number of committees to spearhead its activities and programmes to ensure that it remains a formidable force and the best choice among the political parties in Ghana.

The ceremony, which took place last Wednesday, at the spacious new offices of the NPP at Asylum Down in Accra, had in attendance, Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, former Information Minister Dan Botwe, Ministers of State, and some party members who thronged to the venue to witness the inauguration.

In his address, the National Chairman of the NPP, Peter Mac-Manu pointed out that the appointment to a committee comes with great responsibility, thus all appointed members were to work diligently and embark on positive actions that would benefit the party. He said it was the duty of the Standing Committee?s members to work assiduously in the regions to look out for credible, winnable candidates, especially at the local level who can work and propagate the ideas and aspirations of the party.

?As Chairman I will not rest on my oars and assume that the committees will be working. I will do my best to stimulate all committee members into action to ensure that the party records a resounding victory in the 2008 elections.?

Mr Mac-Manu, who swore the members of the committee into office, asked them to submit quarterly reports to the National Executive Commerce and be mindful that their decisions and deliberations will be required to strengthen and propel the NPP to success.

The Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama declared that public relations was very significant for the party, especially in the Diaspora, stating that members and non members abroad should be given information on the party to keep them abreast with issues which will encourage their investment in the party.

He admonished the committee members to try as much as possible to move to the hinterlands to promote the dreams of the party and mobilise funds from the regions as well, stressing, ?even though most people reside in Accra, Accra is not Ghana.?

Alhaji Aliu Mahama, also urged the National Executives to promptly provide resources and other logistics to members of the committee so as to encourage them to work assiduously for the NPP towards victory in 2008.

He advised the committee members to eschew all forms of complacency since the party?s fortunes will depend, to a large extent, on their efforts.

He intimated that, even though each person has been appointed on their own merit, they were all to work hand in hand and care for each other?s needs since solidarity is what will build the party and make it stronger than the others. Members of the Legal Committee, who will work with the former Speaker, include Nana Adi Ankamah, former Eastern Regional NPP Chairman, and Tony Adams. The rest are Efua Ghartey, Charles Tetteh, Malik Yakubu Alhassan, Second Deputy Speaker and MP for Yendi, and O B Amoah, Deputy Minister of Education, Science & Sports.

Members of the Finance Committee consist of Gifty Ama Asantewaa Ayeh, the National Treasurer, with Collins Adu Gyamfi as its Chairperson. Other members are Irene Addo, Kweku Attafuah, Georgina Kusi, Paul Afoko, and Yoofi Grant. The Conference and Events Organising Committee members are Esther Ofori as Chairperson, Gloria Akuffo, Minister Designate for Aviation, K Ankamah, Aide to the Chief of Staff, Ato Williams, Antwi Agyei, Lord Commey, the National Organiser, Joe Baidoe-Ansah, MP for Effia Kwesimintsim, and John Boadu, National Youth Organiser.

Dan Kweku Botwe, former General Secretary and former Minister of Information chairs the Research and Strategy team, joined by Brig-Gen J Odei, Asamoah Gyamfi, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Majority Chief Whip, Francis Abil, Seth Dogbe, and Fati Biney.

For the Organisation Committee, Major Courage Quarshigah (Rtd), the Health Minister is the Chairperson, Rita Asobayire, National Womens Organiser, Alhaji Armiyao Atta, Isaac Asiamah, MP for Atwima Mponua, Joe Donkor, F F Anto, former Ashanti Regional Chairman, and Lord Commey, National Organiser.

Nana Ohene Ntow, General Secretary, will chair the Communication and Network Committee; the others are: Stephen Ayesu Ntim, former National 1st Vice Chairman, Prof Ofosu Armaah, Elizabeth Appenteng, Dr Somuah, Prof Bluwey, Haruna Atta, and Nana Akomea, MP for Okaikwei South and former Minister for Information.