First NPP International Conference Communiqué

(This is the full text of the Communiqué issued at the end of the 1st NPP International Conference held in London on 16-17 March 2007)

This conference

1. Wishes Ghana and all the people of Ghana a joyful jubilee year and many happy and prosperous years to come.

2. Also notes and commends the NPP government for the many achievements realized especially in the economy and in the area of good governance over the last 6 years.

3. Calls for and agrees to the establishment of a coordinating committee of all overseas branches in all matters of common interest such as ROPAA and links with the national party.

4. Calls for communication links to be established by the party HQ in setting up an international desk with the help of all international branches.

5. Also calls on the national party to lead in finding effective means of working with the overseas branches through the coordinating committee in the area of generating ideas and resources for the mother party by March 2008.

6. calls on the NPP government/ prepared to hold ourselves in readiness to exercise the right to engage in the political process when ROPAA is implemented

7. Calls on the NPP government to establish a ministry to deal with the affairs of Ghanaians living abroad taking into account their diverse and substantial contributions made in support of the national economy.

8. Resolves to commit ourselves to support the national, regional, constituency and polling station parties with material, financial and other resources with the view to strengthening the national party in the areas of communication, organization and the participation of women and the youth.

Signed in our own capacities and on behalf of the parts of the party we represent by:

1. Peter Mac Manu (National)

2. Nana Ohene Ntow (General Secretary)

3. Hayford Atta Krufi (UK & Ireland)

4. Kofi Boateng (USA)

5. Dwamena Yeboah (Germany)

6. Louisa Nti – Berko (France)

7. Matthew Kyeremeh (Chair, Conference Planning Committee)

The conference ended on Saturday 17th March 2007. The inaugural session was ably chaired by Mr Michael Boye Anawomah JP, former Mayor of Islington and former executive secretary to Prime Minister Prof K. A. Busia of blessed memory. In attendance were delegates from the USA, France, Germany, Netherlands and Italy. Ghana’s 27 delegates were led by Mr Ken Wood, NPP chairman for Volta Region, Mr Sammy Crabbe, NPP chairman for Greater Accra, Mr Gyekye Amoabeng, NPP chairman for Eastern Region. The line-up of other special speakers included the following: the guest of honour, President J. A. Kufuor; Hon Nana Addo Danquah Akufo Addo MP and Minster for Foreign Affairs on “Ghana role in the AU, challenges for the future”; Hon Joe Ghartey MP and Attorney General on “Responsive, responsible and good governance”, Hon Dr Akoto Osei MP and Deputy Minister for Finance and Economic Planning on “Strategies for achieving the MIE status in Ghana by 2015”; Hon Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu MP and Chief Whip on “The role of the parliamentary party in Ghana’s democratic efforts”; Hon Kwamina Bartels MP and Minister for Information and national Orientation; Peter Mac Manu on “Building a strong and effective party for government” and Mr. Kofi Boateng NPP chairman for the USA on “Ghana’s Diaspora, a case of contested engagement”.

The Conference Planning Committee was made up of Matthew Kyeremeh (committee chairman), Marlon Anipa, (branch organizer), Atta Krufi, Kofi Boadu Oppong, Francis Addai, Jennifer Boadi Amponim, Alhaji Danjuma, Ishmael Osei, Eugene Antwi, Nana Yaw Sarpong, Nana Gyebi and Eric Agyemang.

Accredited Press Photography: Eagle Media; Mr. CNN.