Takoradi, Dec. 24, GNA- New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters and sympathisers in the twin city of Sekondi-Takoradi heaved a sigh of relieve as the party went through its congress successfully without violence or any major problem.
It was widely anticipated that the unprecedented large number of aspirants, the vigorous campaign, perceived acrimony among some aspirants and particularly earlier confusion over the election of delegates in some constituencies may in their wake bring about serious misunderstanding and possible violence to dent the image of the party. Many people in the Metropolis remained glued to their television sets and radios from Saturday to yesterday for first hand information on the proceedings of the congress
Those who spoke to the Ghana News Agency, commended Mr Peter Mac-Manu, Chairman of the NPP for the able manner he and his team organised and handled affairs at the congress and said but for his bold and firm decision a different story would have been told. "We in Sekondi knew that he is capable of meeting all challenges, especially in times of tension and crisis and that is why we supported him, and that "the best is always from the West", Ebo Gyebi Quansah said.
Before he became the NPP National Chairman, Mr Mac-Manu was the Western Regional Chairman of the party.
He said he would have preferred Mr Alan Kyeremanten to win, but believed Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is the best alternative who can beat the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate Professor Ata Mills in the upcoming elections.
Maame Efua Sika, a fish seller also of Sekondi said she did not go to Church because she did not want to miss the counting of the votes on television.
She said she was happy Nana Akufo-Addo won and said all the contestants especially Mr Kyeremanten displayed maturity by accepting defeat without asking for a round off.
"This is an indication that the unity among them is unquestionable and our party is great", Maame Sika, retorted.
Mr Oscar Mamby, a trader of New-Takoradi said Mr Kyeremanten should wait for another opportunity and that, Nana Akufo-Addo exhibited a lot of maturity during the campaign period and deserved to win. "He also has the qualities and all it takes to beat NDC's Professor Mills", Mr Mamby said of Nana Akufo-Addo.
Mr Lord Agbenyefia of Takoradi said the successful organisation of the congress and election of leaders of the four top political parties in the country was a sign that "democracy has come to stay". He said the 2008 elections would be the fiercest contest in the annals of the country's history, and added that he believed the NDC and its leader Professor Mills have the edge over the others.
Essi Kwensima, a trader from Apremdo said the real battle for political power had just begun, because leaders of the three top political parties namely the Convention People's Party, the NDC and the NPP have almost the same experience and appeal to the electorate.
She advised leaders of the various political parties to observe the rules governing their campaigns to the later to ensure that the peace and tranquillity the country enjoys was maintained.
