Thousands attend NPP anniversary

KOFORIDUA went haywire last Saturday when thousands of New Patriotic Party (NPP) faithful, supporters and sympathisers from all walks of life defied the early morning rain and thronged to the Jackson Park to join in the celebrations of the party’s 10th anniversary. As early as 7a.m., buses conveying people clad in the party’s paraphernalia started arriving at the rally grounds. Hundreds in the Koforidua municipality and nearby villages who came by foot paraded through some of the principal streets amid brass band and traditional music. By 9a.m., the multitude, decorated in party colours of various attires such as T-shirts, had gathered at the venue waiting for the arrival of the Vice-President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, ministers of state, party functionaries and other dignitaries. By 12 noon when the rains stopped, the Senior Minister, Mr J. H. Mensah led a number of ministers to join the district chief executives, Members of Parliament and the party executive on the dais. The ministers included Mr Albert Kan-Dapaah, Energy, Dr K. K. Apraku, Trade and Industry, Mrs Gladys Asmah, Women and Children’s Affairs, Mr Yaw Barimah, Works and Housing, Nana Akufo-Addo, Attorney-General and Justice, Professor Kasim Kasanga, Lands and Forestry, Major Courage Quarshigah, Food and Agriculture, Mr Ishmael Ashitey, Fisheries, Dr Francis Osafo-Mensah, Eastern Region and deputy ministers. Mr Kwadwo Mpiani, Chief of Staff, Castle, Mr Harona Esseku, Chairman, Mr Dan Botwe, General Secretary, Mr Laud Commey, National Organiser Nana Adi Ankamah, Eastern Regional Chairman and other executives were also present. The dignitaries took turns to deliver addresses the gathering which were interspersed with musical interludes. The Vice-President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, who arrived at about 2p.m. was given a warm welcome. He told the supporters that the party respects the rule of law, freedom and the rights of the people. He cautioned Ghanaians not to take undue advantage of the repeal of criminal libel laws from the statute books to peddle lies and frustrate development. When the Vice-President concluded his speech at about 5 p.m. that the rains started again to end the rally would have otherwise gone into the night.