Asokore (Ashanti Region), 19 July '99,

Members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at Asokore-Zongo in the Sekyere East district of Ashanti have staged a mass defection to the New Patriotic Party (NPP), citing unfulfilled promises, deceit and neglect as the basis for their action.

Mr Osman Ali, spokesman for the more than 200 defectors, said at a ceremony held to officially welcome them to the NPP, that they can no longer compromise the situation where Asokore Zongo, a stronghold of the NDC in the district, continues to be left out in all development schemes.

He noted, for example, that while the main parts of Effiduase and Asokore enjoy street lights, the Zongo areas of the two towns are in total darkness, making them vulnerable to persistent armed attacks.

In addition, they are faced with a serious water problem, while the only road leading to the community has so deteriorated that drivers refuse to ply it.

Consequently, the kola-nut trade, their main economic activity, has slumped.

Mr Ali explained that the promise by some officials of the NDC to secure them jobs after collecting educational (academic) certificates from members of the community has largely remained unfulfilled.

The spokesman said they are of the firm conviction that a government of the NPP would be more sympathetic to the development needs and aspirations of the community.

This, he said, is evident from the sublime disposition and concern shown to the plight of people in the Zongo communities in the Effiduase-Asokore constituency by the NPP Member of Parliament (MP), Mrs Grace Coleman.

The spokesman gave assurance of their determination to help dislodge the NDC from its hold on the Asokore Zongo and urged the NPP to open an office in the community.

Mr Yaw Agyei Britwum, acting Ashanti Regional Secretary of the NPP, told them to be firm, steadfast and loyal to the party.

He said the only way the country could come out of the "worsening socio-economic conditions is to vote the NDC out of power in the 2000 general elections".

He called for political tolerance and advised against insults, intimidation and threats.