All set for NPP Congress in Kumasi

Kumasi, Feb. 27, GNA - All is set for New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Delegates' Congress in Kumasi as delegates started trooping into the Baba Yara Sports Stadium by 0630 hours. The earliest arrivals were from Central and Volta Regions.

The preparations have been elaborate. There are eight canopies under which voting would take place; the seating arrangements have been marked out clearly for the delegates and other invited guests. Media accreditation was progressing smoothly, when GNA arrived at the Stadium.

Supporters of various candidates started arriving in droves by 0715 hours. Supporters of Jake Obetsebi Lamptey were seen parading the street in front of the Stadium singing.

Every available space on the Stadium wall has been covered with posters of the candidates. So scarce is space that some of the candidates have carpeted the pavements with their posters.

Mr Isaac Osei, Member of Parliament (MP) for Subin Constituency, has taken advantage of the situation to market himself by mounting huge posters inviting the delegates to his constituency under which the Stadium falls.

Kofi Aboagye popularly known as "National Campaigner", who was touting his message of "NPP is not for sale," with a megaphone, told GNA that during such congresses some candidates dished out money to influence the delegates and got elected only to flop in the performance of their responsibilities.

He said he expected the delegates to vote for candidates, who would take care of the foot soldiers of the Party and not those who would lord their positions over the ordinary members of the Party.

Dealers in Party paraphernalia were making brisk business while food sellers have long queues of customers to serve.

Some of the 300 security men drawn from the Ghana Police Service and Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) told GNA that there has been no breach of order so far. "When we direct the drivers to specific points they obey without any argument" one of them said.

Speaking to the GNA earlier, Ms Genevieve Anokye, a Trader at Kumasi Central Market, pleaded with the delegates to elect people, who have the interest of the Party at heart and should not allow themselves to be influenced with money.

Ms Yaa Akyaa, an Apprentice Hairdresser, appealed to the members of the Party to accept, whoever was elected and said unless the Party members united, there was no way the Party could win Election 2012.

GNA