Rawlings Calls For Rejection Of NPP

The Former President and founder of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on Ghanaians to reject the New Patriotic Party (NPP) during the December polls because of its failure to honour the numerous promises to the people.

Speaking to the chiefs, NDC party supporters and the people of Asante-Mampong at the Amaniampong Silver Stool Palace on Thursday, as part of his campaign tour of the Ashanti Region, Former President Jerry John Rawlings stressed that “if they were able to go by their promises they would have transformed the country”.

Mr Rawlings who was scheduled to pay a courtesy call on the Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu, at 1p.m. before attending an NDC rally, however arrived at 6.50pm.

He, however apologised to the chiefs and explained that he had to stop at the various communities on the route to satisfy the demands of the people to interact with them.

Mr Rawlings called on Ghanaians to do away with ethnicity, nepotism and tribalism, and to look out for a president who would be able to meet their needs.

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the party, Mr Daniel Ohene –Agyekum, noted that this year's election would be crucial because the people were going to assess the two political parties based on their performances after both of them had ruled for two terms.

He stated that when the NDC lost power in 2000, it handed over peacefully, and that Ghanaians expected the NPP to do likewise should it lose the December elections.

Mr Agyekum pledged to Dasebre Osei Bonsu that he would use his position as the regional chairman to ensure that his members conducted themselves in a mature manner to enhance peace before, during and after the elections.

Mr Agyekum however pleaded with the Mamponghene to impress on the leadership of the other political parties in the region to restrain their supporters from indulging in acts that could mar the peaceful conduct of the elections.

Dasebre Osei Bonsu on behalf of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, who had travelled outside the country formally welcomed the former president to the region.

Accompanying the former president was his Special Assistant, Mr Kofi Adams, and an NDC stalwart, Dr Ntomo Atakora, who is a citizen of Mampong.

Story by Nana Yaw Barimah.