I am for Akufo-Addo, another Alan man declares

Hon. Abdulai Razak, a former ally of Mr. Alan Kyerematen, an NPP presidential hopeful, has declared, to the surprise many delegates in the Brong Ahafo Region, his support for the candidature of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, ahead of the October 18 presidential primary of the New Patriotic Party.

Addressing delegates at a “Thank You” meeting between Nana Akufo-Addo and the “super delegates” from the region, Hon. Abdulai Razak, who was a former Municipal Chief Executive for Kintampo under the Kufuor-led NPP government, minced no words when he told the delegates that Nana Akufo-Addo was the best candidate to lead the party to victory in 2016.

“At every stage, there is only one person who has to lead the NPP. I was an integral member of Alan Kyerematen’s campaign in 2007 when I was MCE. But now, I am for Nana Akufo-Addo. I urge you those of us supporting Nana to show magnanimity in our celebrations after we win. Our duty after October 18 will be to ensure that we bring everyone on board, regardless of the aspirant they supported. We have to make sure that Nana Akufo-Addo becomes president in 2016,” the former DCE stressed.

He appealed to the delegates to be constantly guarded and guided by the fact that victory in 2016 is the only option for the NPP and Ghana, and can only be achieved through a united NPP.

At the same meeting, former National 1st Vice Chairman of the party and Middle Belt sector coordinator for Nana Akufo-Addo’s campaign, Mr. Stephen Ntim, revealed that a majority of delegates, who, hitherto, were not supportive of Nana Akufo-Addo ahead of the August 31 contest, were now fully on board to ensure massive victory for Akufo-Addo on October 18.

“We have welcomed all of them onboard to work for Nana. This is the most important factor that we must all consider and work with. If someone wants to come onboard Akufo-Addo’s team, let’s welcome him or her. Don’t repel, attract. Even if there is someone who has still not come, please go out there and fish for them,” he admonished the delegates gathered.

Meanwhile, Hon. Kwasi Ameyaw-Cheremeh, Member of Parliament for Sunyani East, has, on behalf of the 13 MPs in the Brong Ahafo region, promised to increase Nana Akufo-Addo’s margin of victory he received from the region in the August 31 Special Electoral College.

Hon. Ameyaw-Cheremeh assured Nana Akufo-Addo that “we will do for you what has never been done by this region on October 18.”

In going round the various constituencies and campaigning, the Sunyani East MP noted that he had been encouraged by the response from the 15,125 delegates, comprising of polling station and constituency executives, electoral area coordinators, and constituency council of elders and patrons from the region “who have told us that they will vote massively for Akufo-Addo.”

“I am convinced that our 58% in August 31 will become 85% in October. On behalf of the MPs in this region, we wish to reaffirm our support for you. We are solidly behind you and will ensure victory for you, firstly, on October 18 and subsequently on December 2016. The NPP will win election 2016 with you as our leader,” he added.

Hon. Robert Sarfo-Mensah, MP for Asunafo North and the Brong Ahafo regional co-ordinator for Nana Akufo-Addo’s campaign, also re-echoed the sentiments of his colleague MP, stating that “majority of the constituencies I have visited so far have pledged a 100% margin of victory for Nana Akufo-Addo, and we assure you that the 76% you received in the region in 2010 will be eclipsed by a greater margin in October. The constituency chairmen and their executives have resolved to give you an overwhelming victory, and we are working diligently to make sure that this comes to pass,” Hon. Sarfo-Mensah said.

Present at the meeting were, amongst others, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, 2008 and 2012 running mate to Nana Akufo-Addo; Mr. Kwaku Asoma-Cheremeh, Brong Ahafo Regional NPP Chairman; Hon. Major Derek Oduro (Rtd), MP for Nkoranza North; Hon. Kwasi Ameyaw-Cheremeh, MP for Sunyani East; Hon. Baffour Awuah, former Brong Ahafo Regional Minister and MP for Sunyani West; Hon. Yaw Maama Afful, MP for Jaman South; Hon. Dr. Kwabena Twum Nuamah, MP for Berekum East; Hon. Robert Sarfo-Mensah, MP for Asunafo North; Hon. Siaka Sevens, MP for Jaman North; Stephen Ntim, former NPP 1st Vice Chairman; Prof. Christopher Ameyaw Ekumfi, former Minister of Education and former MP for Techiman South; some founding members; members from the regional council of elders; 14 regional executives; and 29 constituency chairmen.

Nana Akufo-Addo will on Friday, September 19, take his Thank You tour to the Ashanti Region, to the Eastern Region, on Sunday, September 21, and on Monday, September 22, round off the tour with a visit to the Volta Region.