Political parties declare 2007 Action Year

Accra, Dec. 29, GNA - The main political parties on Friday declared the country's Golden Jubilee Year as Action Year to set the pace for Ghana's fifth consecutive general election under the 1992 Fourth Republican Constitution.

The parties described Elections 2008 as a crucial period for the electorate to pronounce judgment on the administrations of the two foremost political forces - the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

In separate interviews with the Ghana News Agency in Accra on their visions for 2007, NPP, NDC and Convention People's Party (CPP) said 2007 would be used to prepare for Elections 2008.

Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, NDC National Organiser, said the Party would use 2007 as an 93operational barometer" on the NPP's quest to retain power at the Castle for another four-year term. "It will then spur us on to launch a progressive programme to dislocate and chase the elephant from the Castle back to the political bush by democratically taking over the reins of governance of the country once again.

"We will also attempt to provide evidence to persuade the electorate to incarcerate the ruling NPP into political hell (opposition) for four years with hard labour to learn the rudiments of good governance, tents of democracy and adherence to constitutional order."

Mr Ofosu Ampofo said the NDC's campaign for Elections 2008 starts immediately after the festive season.

"We are going to fire on all cylinders ...NDC will not wait for any party to organise its primaries to elect a flagbearer. "We are ready to take over the reins of governance once more and we are not going to wait for any party to go to congress before campaigning starts."

The NDC has already set high standard for the other political parties to emulate them through a peaceful, transparent and orderly election of its Presidential Candidate at their December 22 Special National Delegates' Congress.

"We are not going to rest until we capture political power once again in 2008 and march peacefully to occupy the Castle on January 7, 2009 to fulfil the wishes and aspirations of the suffering Ghanaians," he said.

Mr Albert Afaglo, NPP Greater Accra Regional Organiser, noted that the Party had earmarked 2007 to oil its electoral machinery, equip executives at the wards, constituencies, regional and national levels and to build the capacity of foot soldiers.

He acknowledged that political tension might build up in 2007 but stressed, "The Party is well prepared for the actions."

Mr Afaglo said as a party in government it would continue to maintain a strong focus of national governance mainly on local government systems, maintenance of law and order as well as human resource development to ensure the country's rapid development. "No country can progress without sound and quality education, discipline and effective participation in decision-making at the local level."

Mr Afaglo also urged the media to desist from personality attacks and focus on developmental issues that would project and enhance the quality of life of the people.

Dr Edmund Delle, National Chairman and Leader of the CPP, explained that the Party would use the year to mainly organise its structures, resource its officials and organise National Delegates' Congress to elect its presidential candidate and other executives.