Ashanti NDC Chairman counsels against factionalism

Kumasi, Dec 31, GNA - The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Yaw Owusu Obimpeh, has urged the party's supporters in the region to prevent petty squabbles and factionalism from eating it up.

They should forge a united front and focus on preparations towards improving the party's electoral performance in the 2012 polls. Mr Obimpeh was addressing a day's meeting in Kumasi to mend cracks and heal wounds in the aftermath of the recent delegates' conference that elected him Chairman.

In attendance were the present and immediate past regional executive, the candidates who lost, and other leading members of the NDC. Mr Obimpeh said there was the need for unity of purpose, hard work and sacrifice to significantly increase the party's votes in Ashanti that has traditionally aligned with the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The NDC cannot afford to waste time and effort on infighting and trivialities, he added

"We would need all hands on deck and I am inclined to believe that all supporters and members who genuinely have the NDC at heart would join hands with the leadership to make a strong showing in election 2012." Mr Obimpeh pledged to run an open door administration and take on board, ideas and good suggestions from the rank and file. Mr Kofi Opoku-Manu, Regional Minister, said the Government is on course to deliver on its "better Ghana promise", and asked for patience and understanding as it fixed the economy.

He called for the strengthening of the party's grassroots structures to make the NDC become more vibrant and formidable in the region. Mr Samuel Sarpong, Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive, said it was important the party's supporters and members helped to explain to Ghanaians efforts the Government was making to turn the economy around and put it on the real path of growth.