NPP Strategic workshop opens in Takoradi

Takoradi, May 18, GNA - Mr Peter Mac Manu, National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), on Friday said that the party would accept back into its fold renegade members who have expressed regret over their decision to go independent.

He was addressing a three-day "Operation 2008" strategic review workshop organized by the NPP and the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) for District Chief Executives and constituency executives from all the 22 constituencies in the Western Region at Takoradi. The workshop is on the theme: "Consolidating Our Gains". Mr Mac Manu said the party has extended olive branches to those members who decided to contest elections as independent candidates. He said executives and members of the party should not allow selfish motives to dominate their conduct and added that the party's bid to win power in 2008 would not materialize if they did not contain their ambitions.

"In as much as some want to develop their careers as politicians, we need to understand that power is easily lost if we cannot curb unbridled selfish dictates", Mr. Manu said.

Mr Mac Manu said: "We need to compromise and show a "give and take attitude so that we can reach peaceful solutions to problems". He urged executives of the party and the members to let their utterances and conduct reflect the positive achievements of the party. The National Chairman said as loyal followers of the NPP, they should imbibe a constructive approach to solving problems and eschew destructive and divisive tendencies.

He said the party had been organizing and intended to institutionalize regional workshops, seminars for capacity building of its officers at various levels as a conciliatory approach to leadership problems in the regions and constituencies. Mr Lord Commey, National Organizer, said the party was committed to its development programmes and was strategizing to win the 2008 elections.

He expressed misgivings about the statement by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) that it would reject the results of the 2008 elections if it did not win the elections.

Nana Ohene-Ntow, the General Secretary, advised the members not to be complacent about the achievements of the party but should work hard to assist the party to win the 2008 elections. Nana Owusu Ankomah, Regional Chairman, said the party intended to increase its 12 seats in the Region to 20 in the 2008 elections. 18 May 07