CPP's merger with PNC is to satisfy grassroots

Accra, Sept. 1, GNA - Professor Edmund Delle, aspiring chairman of the Convention People's Party (CPP) has said the decision by the party to merge with the People's Convention Party (PNC) was taken by the party due to the pressure it received from its grassroots members.

He said contrary to speculation, the decision to merge with the PNC was not imposed by the leadership, but rather by the numerous members of the party who are usually at the grassroots level.

Addressing the press during the filing of his nomination for the chairmanship position of the CPP on Monday, he said he was ready to step down (if he wins the chairmanship) if a more competent person is chosen should the merger succeed.

He noted that although some members of the party were afraid that should the merger occur, the CPP might lose some of its physical identity including its cockerel symbol that should not be a bother as the ideologies of the party, which are more important would be protected.

He cited division among the leadership of the party as one of the main challenges he encountered when he became the chairman of the party in 2003, adding that, such issues did not do well to foster unity in the party.

He expressed concern about instances where some members of the leadership of the party violated decision taken with their consent.

He expressed his readiness to work towards a united CPP to ensure that the party wins power in next year's general election.

Prof Delle, who is a dermatologist, noted that, although the party had been in the news recently for all the bad reasons, he was ever ready to help clean the image of party and mobilise the grassroots for victory in next year's elections.

He pledged his readiness to help the party acquire more party offices across the country to make it more visible and attractive to the youth as it was during Nkrumah's time.

He said he would also contact CPP business men and women, who were not willing to support the party because they did not see any hope for it to help the party financially, in an effort to help it be on its feet.

He expressed his appreciation to all the ten regional chairpersons of the party for coming all the way to Accra to endorse his candidature for the chairmanship of the party..

He said he would continue with the good works of Samia Nkrumah, who is no longer contesting for the chairmanship of the party.

Dr Abu Foster Sakara, 2012 CPP Presidential candidate, who also endorsed the candidature of Prof Delle urged all members of the party to give him the needed support to get the nod when the party goes to congress this September.

He expressed confidence in Prof Delle, adding that, he would help change the face of the party totally and make it attractive to all.

Chairpersons and representatives from all the ten regions of the country also declared their support towards the chairmanship candidature of Prof Delle and urged their delegates to endorse him at the congress.

GNA