Free yourselves from party domination - Quashigah

Anloga (V/R), Dec 4, GNA - The freedom to choose to belong to any particular political party is an inalienable right of all citizens of Ghana and any form of intimidation or coercion to be permanently associated with one party is against the fundamental rights of the people.

"You should not, therefore, allow any particular party or cunning politicians to subject you to any kind of political domination through mental enslavement, persuasive words or for a mere pittance."

The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Major Courage Quashigah (rtd) gave this advice when he addressed a rally at Anloga, the traditional stronghold of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Volta Region to round off his electioneering campaign tour for Election 2004. Major Quashigah announced that unknown to most of the present generation of Anlo-Ewes, the NPP party colours and other symbols like the elephant had their root deep in Anlo tradition and culture even before they arrived in their present settlement.

He stressed that the Awoamefia Stool, which is the highest authority of the Anloland has the elephant carved at the head of its royal staff, signifying symbolic unity between the royal throne and the NPP party.

The Minister, therefore, urged the people to examine the candidates representing the various parties carefully before voting.

He emphasised that violence and intimidation, which used to be associated with the previous military oriented-regime had disappeared completely and called on the people to return the NPP Government to power to continue with the second phase of "positive change."

The NPP Parliamentary Candidate for the Anlo Constituency, Mr Edward Kofi Abiabor expressed regret that though the area was naturally endowed for commercial farming and fishing, the incumbent Member of Parliament, who belonged to the NDC did not identify himself with the needs and aspiration of the people.

Mr Ahiabor, who is also the Keta District Chief Executive, observed that the high level of poverty and suffering in the District was due to the inability of the farmers and fishermen to exploit the full potentials of the area, and urged them to elect him so that he could use his expertise as Soil Scientist and Irrigation Expert to improve their lives.

The NPP Chairman of the Constituency, Mr Makafui Wonya urged the people to vote massively to return the government to power so that the atmosphere of peace, freedom and justice now being enjoyed by all could be sustained.