At its first business meeting, the new Executive of NPP-USA approved a plan to raise US$200,000 by September 30, 2007. Dubbed “2 by 1”- the goal is for 2,000 NPP-USA members and supporters to contribute $100 each to the national office. The success of “2 by 1” will begin to establish the financial muscle of the USA Branch of the New Patriotic Party. Come election year 2008, NPP-USA will be in an enviable position to effectively support its candidates who will stand for Parliamentary and Presidential positions in Ghana. As passionate as the NPP-USA Administration is about ensuring the implementation of the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act (ROPAA), the funds will also permit the roll out of activities to ensure the successful implementation of ROPAA in the USA through local chapters.
The new Chairman of NPP-USA, Mr. Kofi Antwi Boateng, emphasized that if the Executive focuses on PEOPLE and MONEY, NPP-USA shall be very successful force. The momentum is now and it must be seized! There is excitement and a longing for people to be involved, especially with the prospect of voting for the first time from abroad in Ghana’s elections for the majority of the Diaspora in 2008. New NPP-USA membership cards with pictures will be issued to those who pay the minimum $100. These cards can be carried in the wallet and will make for easy identification for future NPP meetings in the USA, Ghana and elsewhere. No one will be allowed to vote without this card in future NPP-USA Congress.
Contributions by checks and money orders should be made out to NPP and mailed to the Treasurer – Ghanam Textiles, 3811-H South George Mason Drive, Falls Church, VA, 22041. In addition, prospective members should send a digital passport- style picture of themselves with their name, current address, phone numbers and e-mail address to the Treasurer’s attention at: asabidaps@ yahoo.com. A centrally pooled resource will give all NPP members in the USA a much greater influence and acknowledgement than each chapter trying to gain prominence by sending their own contribution to Ghana, especially to the ultimate NPP Presidential Candidate. Unity brings power! In this, efforts to link with central NPP branches in Canada, the UK and elsewhere shall be explored. Ghanaians of all ethnic and economic persuasions are encouraged to join and contribute to the success of NPP-USA that will rebound to all of Ghana’s Diaspora. Don’t judge by what you are afraid of, judge by our actions and join the promise. NPP does not belong to any one ethnic group. It is for all of us. The roads, water- works, schools and jobs that its Government brings and will continue to bring to Ghana go everywhere in the country and not just to one region. Don’t insult from the sides when you can effect change from within. There is a new dawn, welcome the sunrise.
The Executives also approved the building of a website for NPP-USA to facilitate communication, education, membership drives, and fundraising. The domain name has been secured and will be made public as soon as the site is uploaded. Many thanks go to Mr. Michael Frimpon of Virginia and Stephen Gyamfi (Chorley) of Washington DC who are leading the technical effort to build the website. Until then, the “2 by 1” plan will be communicated on the principle of “Each One Reach One” to get the word out and checks coming in. Of course, those who can should contribute more than the minimum. In a significant development, the Executives voted to part with the NPP North America moniker and concentrate on building the Party in the USA. This came after the Chairman reached an agreement with the NPP leadership in Toronto and Montreal. Regional Coordinators shall be appointed in due course to facilitate organization and also reflect Ghana’s rich ethnic diversity.
Members of the Executive Committee are: John Nyarku (202 727-0368- work); Michael Sefa (703 765-8549 ) ; Amy Frimpong ( 215 782-8518 ); Kwame Ameyaw (703 987-9804); Prince Osei-Bonsu ( 703-226-9441 cell ) Isaac Fosu (917 287-5874 cell ); Kwaku Agyei Yeboah (413 330 4563 cell) ; Kofi Bawuah (732 381-6977- work) Nana Adu Gyamfi (703 862-4569 cell); Abenaa Dapaah (571-338-5750, cell) and Mr. Kofi A. Boateng (914 907-0633 cell – kboateng@aaionline.org).
