Ankamah lost to Amoabeng as NPP Regional Chairman

Koforidua, Oct. 30, GNA - Mr Yaw Gyekye Amoabeng, a Tema-based businessman, has been elected as Eastern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Saturday at the party's Regional Delegates Congress at Oyoko, near Koforidua.

He obtained 76 votes to defeat the incumbent, Nana Adi Ankamah who had 49 votes, Mr Seth Michael Ahyia, a former Secretary, 25 and Mr Kofi Asare Lartey, 15.

Mr Christian Kofi Tettey, the First Vice Chairman and acting Yilo District Chief Executive, retained his position unopposed, while Mr Umar Babs Bodinga, became the Second Vice Chairman. Mr Alecs Agobo retained his post as Regional Secretary by defeating the former Assistant Secretary, Mr George Owusu Gyasi by 103 to 65 votes, while Mr Seth Otchere also beat former Youth Organiser, Richard Amofa with 94 votes to 73.

Ms Grace Attafua was re-elected the Women' Organiser while the incumbent Treasurer, Ms Josephine Osafo was defeated by Dr Samuel Yaw Annor, a South African-based Gynaecologist/Obstertrician, and Ahmed Yusif Yonah, was elected Youth Organiser by beating three other contestants.

In his victory speech, Mr Amoabeng, who commended the delegates for reposing their confidence in him urged all leaders at various levels of the party's structure to work hard towards the party's victory in 2008.

He stressed the need for unity among the rank and file and appealed to the losers to forget about the past and support the winners to build a strong party to retain power. Earlier, the National Chairman of the party, Mar Harona Esseku, said the peaceful holding of the congresses in the regions debunked the notion that the party was beset with deep divisions among the rank and file.

Among the party stalwarts who attended the congress included the First Vice Chairman, Mr Stephen Ntim, the National Organiser, Mr Lord Commey, Ministers of State, Members of Parliament and District Chief Executives.