The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is optimistic of transforming the Volta Region into one of its popular bases in the country.
Much would, however, depend on the unity and commitment of party members and activists to take advantage of the growing attraction of the party in the region.
Mr Kwasi Owusu-Yeboa, Volta Regional Minister, said this when he addressed an end-of-year get-together for party executives and members at Ho on Sunday.
He reminded them that the entire party had thrown a challenge to them, adding: "already, positive change is manifesting in this direction in the region."
He said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) had its glorious days but a new era had emerged in which the NPP government would work hard to bring qualitative changes into the lives of the people.
Mr Owusu-Yeboa gave the assurance that the government would, in accordance with the 1992 Constitution and its tradition, promote the development of multi-party democracy in which there would be strong opposition parties.
He said it was in this direction that the efforts of the NDC to transform itself into a viable opposition should be commended.
Mr Owusu-Yeboa, however, reminded the NDC that it should adopt strong internal democratic practices and structures to make itself relevant to the democratic yearnings of the people.
Mr Kofi Dzamesi, Deputy Volta Regional Minister, observed that there were indications that people in the region were getting to understand and appreciate the gains so far made by the government.
"People would join us because they would witness qualitative changes in the region," he said.
Mr Dzamesi, therefore, implored party members not to relent in their efforts at educating the people to understand the policies and directions in which the government is taking the country.
Mr James Dogbe, Regional Chairman of the party, urged its activists to start working hard towards victory in the 2004 elections.
He said greater unity and commitment was required of them now that the party was in power and looked forward to winning another victory.
"In our small ways, we can also help this party because it is not a one-man show," he said.
Mr Dogbe assured the activists that their sacrifices had not been forgotten.Mr Kenwood Nuworsu, a Regional Executive Member of the party, urged the government to strengthen the party.
Present were Mr Edward Osei-Kwaku, Minister of Youth and Sports, and Mr Tommy Amematekpor, Special Aide to the President.
