DFP talks big…as it picks presidential candidate

The Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) over the weekend elected its national officers and presidential candidate for this year's elections with a big promise to bring hope to Ghanaians.

Speaking at the congress, which was under the theme of “Restoring National Hope and Confidence”, the founder of the party, Dr. Obed Asamoah said the DFP will ensure that in the pursuit of their political goals, “we are guided by religious and moral values.”

The DFP, he said, will not be adding up to numbers of the political parties, but it is a party to “ensure that victory becomes ours.” Using a well known parable, he said, “the story of the race between the hare and the tortoise is about to be reflected in the leadership race this year.”

He advised Ghanaians to shun “those that are poised to do battle with each other in the event of either of them winning power.”

“DFP will make things work in Ghana”, he said.

Dr. Asamoah touched on a number of things that the DFP would be tackling when voted into office.

Peace and stability for Ghanaians, which he said, could only be attained under the leadership of the DFP, would be his party's priority.

On corruption, he said, the DFP would ensure the publication of asset declaration of holders of public office.

“The Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) would also be strengthened to become an independent prosecuting agency”, he said.

He said the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) would be removed from the Ministry of Justice to be an independent body.

Dr. Asamoah said the DFP would be farmer-friendly and the party would appoint its agriculture minister in consultation with Ghanaian farmers.

He promised that when elected into power, the DFP will rationalize the country's trade policy to allow local industry to grow, reduce taxes on businesses and remove red tape from the country's administration.

The National Delegates Congress of the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) took-off in Accra on Saturday without the usual euphoric atmosphere associated with such events.

The party was the fifth political party to elect its flag bearer for Election 2008 after the National Democratic Congress (NDC) had elected Professor John Evans Atta Mills, in December 2007.

The People's National Convention (PNC) followed up in November 2007 month to elect Dr. Edward Mahama for the fourth time whilst the Convention People's Party (CPP) elected Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom in December and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) elected Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo also in December last year.

In all, about 1,490 delegates from the 230 constituencies, patrons of the party and overseas branches with voting right voted to elect a presidential candidate and national officers to lead the party for Election 2008. ADM went to bed before the end of the congress which was widely expected to elect Alhaji Abdul-Rahman Issaka, the party's interim chairman as its presidential candidate.