Losing aspirants pledge support

By Agbeko Azumah & William Yaw Owusu

Monday december 24, 2007
CONTRARY to speculation of a fractious and divided party following the near rancorous campaigning for the New Patriotic Party flagbearership all the 16 other aspirants took turns to pledge their support for the winner Nana Akufo Addo.

After the ballots for Mr Akufo-Addo had been counted and it became obvious that he was the winner, Yaw Osafo-Maafo walked up to him, congratulated him and pledged his support for him.

He was immediately followed by the other aspirants including even those whose ballots had not yet been counted.

Yaw Osafo-Maafo, former finance minister in a short speech after the official declaration of resulta said: “Nana Akufo-Addo is truly a party man by all definitions. He has my support to win the 2008 elections.”

Kwabena Agyepong, the youngest aspirant and former presidential spokesperson remarked: “The delegates have indeed spoken. We should now rally behind our flagbearer to jeep the NDC in opposition.”

For his part Professor Oquaye, former communications minister pledged to work alongside Mr Akufo-Addo saying, “He is the man of the moment.”

Hackman Owusu Agyeman, a former Minster of Water Resources, Works and Housing said, “We are as united as ever. It has been a very good fight and the best aspirant won”.

Dr Barfuor Adjei-Barwuah, Ghana’s Ambassador to Japan, commended Mr Kyerematen for his “gracious and respectable concession” and urged party members to close their ranks and forge ahead in unity.

Jake Otanka Obetsebi-Lamptey, former Minister of Tourism and Diasporan Relations said, “the job ahead is not easy but there is nothing that the NPP cannot do to galvanise the support of the electorate to ensure a resounding victory in 2008”.

Daniel Botwe, former NPP General Secretary said, “The internal struggle is over. We are fired up and we are prepared to move for NPP under Kufuor to hand over to NPP to be led by Akufo-Addo”.

Dr Kofi Konadu, Apraku former Minister of Regional Integration and NEPAD said, “Delegates are capable of making a good decision and they have demonstrated it in Nana Akufo-Addo today”.

Papa Owusu Ankomah, former Minister of Education, Science and Sports said the December 22 deputy congress “marks the rejuvenation and renewal of the NPP. In our flagbearer we have a battle-tested leader who is ready to face the opposition on all fronts”.

Boakye Kyerematen Agyarko, a banker said, “We face a violent opponent in the 2008 elections. We should close our ranks to extend our stay in power”.

Dr Kobina Arthur-Kennedy said, “Nana Akufo-Addo deserves every moment of what has happened and he has my unflinching support to win the 2008 elections.”

Professor Kwabena Frimpong Boateng, former Chief Executive of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) urged Nana Akufo-Addo to work towards the reduction of poverty, diseases and squalor.

Vice President Aliu Mahama said, “My support for Nana Akufo-Addo is total and absolute. I am battle-ready to join hands with our flagbearer to win the 2008 election.”

Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, former Defence Minister said “the next battle is going to be a difficult one but I know Nana Akufo-Addo is well prepared to face opposition and crush them again”.

Felix Owusu Adjapong, former Majority Leader of Parliament said, “Our kingmakers have spoken and we should forge ahead in unity to ensure a sounding victory for the NPP in 2008”.