We must now focus on our greatest opponent, the NDC - Akufo-Addo

Two-time Presidential candidate of the opposition New Patriotic Party, Nana Akufo-Addo, who received an overwhelming endorsement from special delegates of the NPP in Sunday's vote is shifting attention to the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).

“I myself reemphasise my commitment to working for a united NPP focused on a common opponent who we must beat convincingly in the 2016 elections,” he stated.

Nana Akufo-Addo was speaking after the declaration of results in the NPP's Super Delegates' Conference which he won convincingly by more than 80 per cent.

His closest challenger, former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen, obtained an embarrassing 59 votes representing 7.98 per cent.

Delivering a victory speech, Mr. Akufo-Addo said, “The overwhelming endorsement is truly humbling; today's results show, I believe, that the party continues to remain emphatically united behind me.”

Congratulating the other contestants – Kofi Konadu Apraku (10 votes), Stephen Asamoah Boateng (13 votes), Addai Nimoh (22 votes), Joe Ghartey (also 22 votes) and Osei Ameyaw (16 votes), the 2008 and 2012 Presidential candidate of the NPP said he believed “We will all work together to advance the cause of the NPP and even more importantly of mother Ghana.”

“Our nation,” he insisted, “must be put again on the path of prosperity.”

Conceding that the work ahead would be arduous, Mr. Akufo-Addo said, “I am confident that together we will answer the call of the Ghanaian people for a new beginning, a new path, away from corruption, incompetence and mismanagement.”

He said the youth and people Ghana need and deserve sustainable jobs, quality education, decent housing and an enhanced standard of living – things an NPP government under his leadership will make a reality.

The experienced politician refrained from basking in the victory, choosing to be modest and magnanimous. But he also refrained from overly criticising the John Mahama government which admitted difficulties facing the country's economy.

Together, we can rally the Ghanaian people to regain confidence in our future, to believe in the bright horizon and the compelling prospects that await the Black Star of Africa,” he emphasized.

Mr. Akufo-Addo still has one hurdle though to cross to become the nominee of the NPP for the 2016 Presidential Election even though that is pretty much a matter of mere formality given Sunday's result.

The four other candidates who made it to the top five – Alan Kyerematen, Addai Nimoh, Joe Ghartey, and Osei Ameyaw, are expected to withdraw from the race and spare the party the agony of going through another grueling campaign and a national delegates' conference with its concomitant financial and logistical burden on a party that is still struggling to raise money to prosecute the next election against a better resourced and opponent, the NDC.

But that is not forgone conclusion after all today's results had been predicted but they still went ahead to contest anyway.

It remains to be seen which of the four will take the lead to concede.