NDC office closed ahead of Fomena by-election

With less than two weeks to the by-election in the Fomena constituency, the leading opposition party, the National Democratic Congress, which has fielded a candidate in the polls, is yet to open its main office at Fomena.

The party's office remains closed as has been the case since the December 2004 elections. It is believed that the NDC owes millions in arrears. This not withstanding, the Ashanti Regional First Vice Chairman of the NDC, Alhaji Mohammed Seini insists that the party is determined to put up a good showing in the January 23, 2007 by-election.

His position is in tandem with the position of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NDC, Daniel Ohene Agyekum who claims that the party has targeted 30 percent of the votes for its candidate, Grace Ampofo.

According to Alhaji Seini, who has become the 'voice" of the NDC after the outspoken Regional Secretary of the party, Sly Akakpovie was suspended indefinitely for allegedly 'flirting' with the Democratic Freedom Party, NDC foot soldiers are campaigning vigorously and its national officers are set to hit the campaign trail soon.

However, the NPP constituency chairman for Fomena, Akwasi Nti Asamoah has called the bluff of the NDC, saying the focus of the party is not only retaining the seat but also to significantly reduce the 2,009 votes the NDC received in the 2004 parliamentary elections.

Meanwhile the NPP has, after its successful delegate's conference at Koforidua, moved the might of its electoral campaign machinery to the constituency.

Three candidates are contesting the elections namely Nana Abu Bonsra for the NPP, Augustine Kyei for the Democratic Peoples Party and Grace Ampofo for the NDC. The CPP, the DFP and the GCPP are not fielding any candidates.