Obed, party gurus storm Western Region

The main opposition party, the National Democratic Congress will this week storm the Western Region in a gear-up of its campaign strategies towards this year’s general election.

The tour, which would be led by national chairman, Dr. Obed Yaw Asamoah with co-organizational top notches, would help resolve all the differences that have erupted among the party activists to pave the way for a relentless campaign to win back lost seats come December 2004.

Dr Asamoah told The Chronicle on telephone last Friday that this year’s election called for total commitment of all personnel on the ground to be actively involved to kick the New Patriotic Party (NPP) out of power. “We have decided that this year is an action year for us so that everybody would be actively involved in all the activities of the party.”

Dr. Asamoah said the rumpus and feud that occurred in the party were now things of the past.

“In any event circumstances would determine what to do. Differences of opinions would be buried for the common goal of the party. This is for the good of the party and the country.”

The veteran politician said the resolution of conflicts through the regional tours would help position the NDC as the most credible alternative to the failed the NPP government.

When the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice was asked about how financially resourceful is the NDC to achieve its aim, he said money is not the only resource to galvanize strength to win power.

“It is clear that we have a shortfall in our resources but that is not the only factor. We have to supplement our (financial) resources with raw energy of the people and personal sacrifice. It is true that sometimes the proportion would depend upon money but at times personal sacrifice in terms of effort should be sufficient.”

Dr. Asamoah who declined to mention regions that are targeted by the NDC said during the tour, party activists would be educated on how to ensure clean, free and fair elections and how to get on board with all and sundry.

He appealed to the electorate and the political parties to desist from intimidation, harassment and vilification adding that violence and vote rigging do not auger well for democracy.

The outspoken chairman predicted a victory for his party irrespective of accusations and intimidations. “This year is for us,” he concluded. At the recent delegates conference by the NPP at Cape Coast, President John Agyekum Kufuor threw a challenge to all the political parties to contest the coming elections in free and fair manner.

The call by Mr. Kufuor is expected to be the guiding principle of all the parties in the electioneering campaign.

But one political observer told The Chronicle: “It is easier said than done. All the political parties are canvassing for free and fair elections but will their speeches reflect this wish?”