NPP Holds Crisis Meeting

Cape-Coast, October 12, Chronicle -- THE DEFEATED New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary aspirant of Cape-Coast, Edwin Godwin Buckman, has held a crisis meeting with his area leaders within the municipality at the weekend.

Addressing the leaders, led by Salu Bawa, the young politician told them that the meeting was very crucial because of numerous persuasions from President John Agyekum Kufuor and Vice President Aliu Mahama as well as several key figures in government like Professor Akumfi-Ameyaw, Professor Dominic Fobih, Kwamena Bartels and Paapa Owusu Ankomah to garner support for the party to enable it retain the seat.

Briefing the supporters on the meeting that had taken place involving him, Aliu Mahama and the incumbent Member of Parliament, Christine Churcher last Friday, Buckman said Aliu had told him bluntly that the party would blame him should they lose the seat to the opposition NDC.

According to him, Aliu had advised him to appeal to all supporters to change their mind over their decision to vote against Christie to ensure total victory in the December general elections.

The elders of the party who made his meeting with the top hierarchy possible were, Mr. Kojo Mensah, Nana Awuku, the proprietor of Sanaa Lodge, Mr. Kumi Bruce, Nana Ghartey, NPP Regional Chairman, Lawyer Spio as well as the Municipal Chief Executive, Muniru Arafat Nuhu. All these key members of the NPP had turned against Christie for her alleged arrogance and bloated ego.

After lengthy and tortuous discussions, the 25 area leaders agreed to heed to the persuasions of Buckman.

They were elated that the President, his vice and other key members in the party and government had acknowledged the importance of Buckman and his followers in the December elections.

Salu Bawa, chairman of the area's organizers assured Buckman that even though they had agreed with him, they would need some time to put things together because much ought to be done before they could hit the campaign trail.

The meeting was minor but symbolic. Symbolic because it was meant to search for unity between Churcher's supporters and those of Buckman to enable the NPP retain the Cape-Coast seat, which is dear to the party.

Some executives of the Nasara club also attended the meeting following the amicable settlement of disputes between the two factions last Tuesday.

However, Buckman has called for reconciliation, within which context he appealed to the MP to work with the constituency executives.