NPP National Executive Post: Sir John on top

As the scheduled time for the election of National Executives gets closer, the race for the position of the General Secretary of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) is becoming more interesting.

One person who is operating quietly but making huge gains is no other than the incumbent General Secretary of the party, Mr. Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie.

Credible reports emanating from the corridors of the NPP have it that Mr. Afriyie is on top of his game and will definitely retain that position.

According to the reports, Mr. Afriyie, popularly called 'Sir John,' received a rousing welcome in all the places he had visited to tell the NPP people that he is seeking re-election.

As a matter of fact, Mr. Afriyie has not started his official campaign, but has visited certain places to announce his second term bid.

In Northern, Central and Eastern Regions, the reports have it that he had it tough with the supporters and regional executives.

According to the reports, he was coerced to talk to the executives, potential delegates and delegates but he declined, saying he was just there to tell them that he was seeking re- election.

When The Enquirer contacted Mr. Afriyie, he said he was not in those areas to campaign but was on a simple mission to tell them that he was seeking re-election.

According to him, although he was forced to address the NPP as if he was campaigning, he insisted that he was not campaigning.

Mr. Afriyie told The Enquirer that it was important for him to inform the very people who voted for him in 2010 of his second mission before he starts his campaign.

Other persons who have expressed interest in ·Mr. Afriyie's position are Mr. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, former press secretary to ex-President Kufuor, Mr. Yaw Buabeng Asamoah and Captain (Rtd) Nkrabea Effah-Dartey.

However, Mr. Afriyie has clout because of his association with the grassroots people of the party. In 20I0, he pulled a surprise at Kumasi to beat the other contestants because of his close association with the supporters of the party.