Takoradi, August 4, GNA - Supporters and sympathisers of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have been urged to continue to make the needed sacrifices for political and economic emancipation of the country, because their toil and sacrifices would not be in vain. Nana Ohene Ntow, General Secretary of the party said the spirit of nationalism, resilience, and determination with which the party was born must be kept burning.
He was delivering a message at the cerebration of the 14th anniversary of the party in the Western Region in Takoradi on Friday. The celebration, which coincided with the Regional Party Executive Committee meeting, has the theme, "NPP Our Roots, Our Strength".
Fourteen years, Nana Ohene Ntow said, "is a very important milestone in the life of our dear party, particularly looking at where we have come from, and our track record is no mean achievement". The General Secretary noted that, there were good reasons for the celebrations, and said the goodwill that it enjoyed worldwide had bolstered the image of the country and there was enough indication to that "the party is worth dying for".
Nana Ohene Ntow said the celebrations would be used to systematically and chronologically document all party activities and personalities from the era of the United Party of which the NPP took its roots.
The party would organise forums at the party's celebrations to educate members and the public on the history of the party and some of its achievement for the country.
Nana Ohene Ntow charged the regional executives and other party activists to stand firm to the challenges ahead and work towards electoral victory in 2008.
Mr Stephen Asamoah-Boateng, Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Environment, emphasized that, ministers, municipal and district chief executives and other leaders had the mandate of the people to "correct all wrong doing to enhance development".
They should not hesitate to discipline offending workers by strict application of the laws, particularly on issues bordering on stealing of government funds.
"We must be honest and stand firm and resolute in connection with any malfeasance by your revenue staff and at the same time be prepared to render accounts at the end of our mandate".
The Minister, whose tour of some districts in the Western Region ended on Friday, denounced the corrupt dealings of revenue staff of some district assemblies and advised the DCEs to take urgent steps to check the practice.
Welcoming the party executive earlier, Nana Owusu Ankomah, NPP regional chairman said the meeting would review party activities and formulate programmes that would enhance its fortunes in the forthcoming elections.
He said contrary to reports, the regional executives of the party had not declared their support to any of the persons aspiring for the flag-bearer slot of the NPP.
Nana Ankomah said the party at the moment was busily embarking on an exercise to rebuild party structures to ensure their effectiveness in the region.
Mr Alberto Terkyi, DCE for Wassa West, on behalf of his colleagues, said they would continue to give of their best to enhance the chances of the party in the 2008 elections.
