Accra, Sept. 20, GNA- The once buoyant and vibrant Convention People's Party (CPP) of the First President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, had a smooth take-off on Saturday to redeem its image at its Second National Delegates Congress at Legon, Accra
The CPP, with its motto of "Forward Ever, Backward Never," by dusting itself of the political inertia it has long been associated with since the ban on party politics was lifted in 1992, stormed the University of Ghana, Legon, to assert itself as one of the leading parties in the country.
Poor time management also eluded the politicians who did not consider for once that the Political Administration of Ghana cannot be done with the usual African time consciousness.
The programme, which was supposed to have started at 0900 was delayed over two hours, as supporters struggle to fill the already packed Central Cafeteria of the University.
The supporters surged on the media stands, while the more vocal ones insulted and issued threats to protesting Journalists who were attracting the attention of some senior party officials for decorum. Mr George Opersika Aggudey one of the contesting flag bearer also entered the Congress ground very late with fun fare and a long convoy of vehicles for Gocrest Security Company whilst his challenger, Tamale-based Lawyer, Alhaji Ibrahim Mahama slipped in wearing a traditional Northern smock.
Present were Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, Minister of Energy, Mr Freddy Blay First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Mr Kojo Armah, District Chief Executive for Nzema East, and other CPP stalwarts in the ruling New Patriotic Party government.
The Congress has the theme, "CPP- Growing the Youth, and Women for the Future," attracted 1,800 delegates; eight from each of the 200 constituencies, and representatives from the Central Committee, the Council of Elders, Founding Members and the Overseas Branches. The Congress is to elect a Flag bearer, National Chairman, three Vice Chairmen, General Secretary, and National Treasurer.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Accra on the Congress, Prof Nii Noi Dowuona, the party's General Secretary said the theme is in line with Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah's vision for the nation, which saw the blending of the youth and women in national affairs. He said: "The time has come for us to give a further meaning to Osagyefo's vision," stressing that women and the youth who constitute the majority have not been treated fairly after the overthrow of the party's leader.
Prof Dowuona urged the contestants, their supporters and party faithful to exercise the greatest restrain during and after the elections, "I expect us to come back from Congress united than we went in, as we have a bigger battle ahead of us that calls for unity." The CPP General Secretary urged the delegates, contestants and the teeming supporters to be guided by the supreme interest of the party and vote for candidates with merits, skills and commitment to lead the party.
The Congress is also expected to amend the party's Constitutions, adopt strategies for the next general elections, discuss the national economy and other national and international issues. 20 Sept. 03
Accra, Sept. 20, GNA- The once buoyant and vibrant Convention People's Party (CPP) of the First President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, had a smooth take-off on Saturday to redeem its image at its Second National Delegates Congress at Legon, Accra
The CPP, with its motto of "Forward Ever, Backward Never," by dusting itself of the political inertia it has long been associated with since the ban on party politics was lifted in 1992, stormed the University of Ghana, Legon, to assert itself as one of the leading parties in the country.
Poor time management also eluded the politicians who did not consider for once that the Political Administration of Ghana cannot be done with the usual African time consciousness.
The programme, which was supposed to have started at 0900 was delayed over two hours, as supporters struggle to fill the already packed Central Cafeteria of the University.
The supporters surged on the media stands, while the more vocal ones insulted and issued threats to protesting Journalists who were attracting the attention of some senior party officials for decorum. Mr George Opersika Aggudey one of the contesting flag bearer also entered the Congress ground very late with fun fare and a long convoy of vehicles for Gocrest Security Company whilst his challenger, Tamale-based Lawyer, Alhaji Ibrahim Mahama slipped in wearing a traditional Northern smock.
Present were Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, Minister of Energy, Mr Freddy Blay First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Mr Kojo Armah, District Chief Executive for Nzema East, and other CPP stalwarts in the ruling New Patriotic Party government.
The Congress has the theme, "CPP- Growing the Youth, and Women for the Future," attracted 1,800 delegates; eight from each of the 200 constituencies, and representatives from the Central Committee, the Council of Elders, Founding Members and the Overseas Branches. The Congress is to elect a Flag bearer, National Chairman, three Vice Chairmen, General Secretary, and National Treasurer.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Accra on the Congress, Prof Nii Noi Dowuona, the party's General Secretary said the theme is in line with Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah's vision for the nation, which saw the blending of the youth and women in national affairs. He said: "The time has come for us to give a further meaning to Osagyefo's vision," stressing that women and the youth who constitute the majority have not been treated fairly after the overthrow of the party's leader.
Prof Dowuona urged the contestants, their supporters and party faithful to exercise the greatest restrain during and after the elections, "I expect us to come back from Congress united than we went in, as we have a bigger battle ahead of us that calls for unity." The CPP General Secretary urged the delegates, contestants and the teeming supporters to be guided by the supreme interest of the party and vote for candidates with merits, skills and commitment to lead the party.
The Congress is also expected to amend the party's Constitutions, adopt strategies for the next general elections, discuss the national economy and other national and international issues. 20 Sept. 03
