Kumasi Erupts For Nana

NANA ADDO Dankwa Akufo-Addo, presidential candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) yesterday experienced a gist of how it is like to be the First Gentleman of the country, when he was accorded a rousing welcome at Kumasi, the Ashanti regional capital.

Nana Akufo-Addo, accompanied by party stalwarts, was visiting the region ostensibly to officially announce to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene and the Asanteman that he would be contesting the presidential election on the ticket of the NPP come December this year.

The Ashanti regional executive of the party, led by its Chairman, Yaw Amankwa and Emmanuel A. Owusu-Ansah, Regional Minister, led hundreds of NPP faithful in the region who were clad in party colours to meet Nana and his team at Dadieso, on the outskirts of the region, amidst fanfare.

In a convoy of cars, Nana Addo was driven through some principal streets of the regional capital to the admiration of joyous and enthusiastic NPP followers who had lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the former Foreign Affairs Minister.

Nana Addo, who was in a black Nissan Patrol car, could not help but respond excitedly to cheers from the enthusiastic crowd.

His convoy which caused massive vehicular traffic, passed through Konongo, Ejisu, Tech Junction, Oforikrom, Airport Roundabout and finally landed at the Manhyia Palace, the official seat of the Asantehene, where a grand durbar of chiefs of the Kumasi Traditional Council, chaired by Otumfuo, was held in his honour.

Addressing the durbar, Nana Addo boldly predicted victory for the NPP in the upcoming general elections, stressing that victory was a forgone conclusion so far as he was concerned.

“God willing by the time I come to you again next year, I will be the President of Ghana,” Nana Addo told Otumfuo, amidst rapturous cheers from the excited crowd.

Considering the good works of President John Agyekum Kufuor so far, he stated that the NPP would surely retain political power this year to carry on the President's good works.

Still praising President Kufuor, Nana Addo remarked that Ghana had seen significant improvement in every aspect of the economy during the past seven years, contending that he was the right person to continue with the good works of President Kufuor.

“I am aware of the cries of the masses and I am convinced I wield the needed experience and expertise to solve them within the shortest possible time,” an elated-looking Nana Addo assured.

He entreated members of the elephant family across the country to shun acts that could disturb the peace of the party, and rather urged them to stay united at all times to ensure total victory for the party.

He appealed to Otumfuo not to hesitate to caution him and for that matter the entire NPP family whenever they erred, noting that he did appreciate the good counsel of the Otumfuo over the years.

The flagbearer, who together with the Otumfuo belong to the 'Oyoko' clan, requested the Asantehene's blessings in his quest to become the president of the land.

“I am here for your blessings since you are the head of the 'Oyoko' clan, so kindly bless me before I start my campaign for the presidency”.

He as well called for God's blessings, good health, tolerance and love for all as he plans to lead the country to the Promised Land.

In his remarks, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II said despite the good works of President Kufuor, poverty and hardships still abound and charged Nana Addo to find lasting solutions to them when he becomes Ghana's president.

He deplored high prices of commodities such as cement, non-availability of schools, hospitals, lack of help for the private sector and the quick dwindling fortunes of the agricultural sector, and urged Nana Addo and his colleague politicians to find lasting solutions to them.

Otumfuo reminded politicians that their sole duty was to develop the country and bring smiles back on the faces of the people; hence as politicians, they should focus on that area.

Touching on the NPP, the Asantehene commended the party for staying united as one people with a common destiny after their national delegates' congress, and urged them to sustain it to ensure victory in the election.

He sternly cautioned Nana Addo to shun complacency and rather work hand-in-hand with every member of the party, especially the losing presidential aspirants to move the country forward.

The Asantehene told the NPP leader that the upcoming election would be very difficult so he should not campaign based on the achievements of President Kufuor; rather, his campaign should be based on his personal vision for the country and its people.

Among the losing NPP presidential aspirants that accompanied Nana Addo were Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku, Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, Dr Arthur Kobina Kennedy, Dr. Kwame Addo-Kufuor, Kwabena Agyepong and Jake Obestebi-Lamptey.

Also in the Presidential aspirant's entourage was the NPP National Chairman, Peter Mac Manu. From Fred J. A. Ibrahim Jnr. & Morgan Owusu, Kumasi