Osei Ameyaw urges NPP to close ranks, unite
A Presidential hopeful of the New Patriotic Party, Mr Kofi Osei Ameyaw, has entreated members of the party to close their ranks and unite to ensure that the party records a resounding victory in the 2016 polls.
“From all indications, Ghanaians are yearning for an NPP comeback and we must stay focused and united to get their mandate,” he said in a statement.
Mr Osei Ameyaw came fifth with a total of 14 votes at the last Special Electoral College (SEC) of the New Patriotic Party in which delegates endorsed the candidature of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the 2012 presidential candidate of the party, with an overwhelming 599 votes, representing over 80.81 per cent. His closest rival, Mr John Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, trailed with 59 votes, representing 7.9 per cent of the votes and Messrs Francis Addai Nimoh and Joe Ghartey grabbed 22 votes each, representing 2.9 per cent for each of them.
The delegates pulled the brakes on the presidential ambitions of Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku and Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng, who got 10 and 13 votes, representing 1.3 and 1.9 per cent respectively.
The party will, however, go to an expanded delegates congress scheduled for October 18, this year, to select the party’s flag bearer for the 2016 elections.
According to Mr Osei Ameyaw, the NPP cannot afford to have a divided front, saying, “We must stand firm and resolute in our pursuit of power. The people of Ghana must not be denied their will a third time.”
He said that last Sunday’s special electoral college marked yet another historic day in our party.
“It was a day you, our esteemed Super Delegates, spoke through the ballot and chose the best five out of the seven candidates to run for the flag-bearers race on October 18, 2014,” he stated.
He said the delegates kept their word to ensure that: “I, Kofi Osei-Ameyaw, would be among the five shortlisted. You the delegates assured me that those who had shown leadership and had worked very hard to build the party and its structures would be rewarded. I sincerely thank you for acknowledging my contribution by ensuring that I remain in the race for the next round of the contest in October. Your endorsement is well appreciated.”
He also thanked the leaders of the party for sparing no efforts at ensuring a successful Special Electoral College. This is a testimony that we are ready for 2016. Thanks also go to my fellow contestants for their comportment and for their avowed commitment to upholding the values of our party,” he stated.
According to Mr Osei Ameyaw, the NPP has completed the first journey by God’s grace, and just as “we started, it is my prayer that the good God would direct and guide us to our next destination. I also pray that God would gives us strength as we prepare for the October showdown.”
