Accra, May 23, GNA - Dr Edmund N. Delle, National Chairman of the Convention People's Party (CPP) on Sunday appealed to party members to be resolute and defend the principles and tenets of Nkrumahism in the face of daunting challenges.

He said: "The daunting challenges facing the party are the works of reactionary forces that intend to divert the party's attention and resources from focusing on strategies for winning the 2004 General Election using internal antagonism for their selfish gains". Dr Delle appealed to CPP members, sympathisers and activists throughout the country not to be perturbed, but remain focused, unmovable and concentrate on the ultimate goal of winning the 2004 General Election.

He told the Ghana News Agency that recent developments and provocations were rather good omen for the party "as it has united members to fight and defeat opposing forces both within and outside to enable the party to go the Castle."

Dr Delle gave the assurance that the party hierarchy is made up of tested men, problem solvers who would help CPP to surmount the hiccup. He said: "what is important is for all members, from the national executives through the regions, constituencies and the wards levels, to focus on the common agenda of the CPP of liberating Ghana from economic enslavement once again."

"Independence was fought and won through struggle from both within and outside the CPP. The victory of those of the Nkrumaist tradition in 1979 was through internal struggle and bickering and the result of the December 2004 elections would follow the trend. We have all that it takes to win again", Delle stated.

He caution members not to create internal infractions that could affect CPP's strategies saying "the masses would not forgive the CPP if we failed to provide a humane leadership to once again liberate Ghana and to propel the nation forward.

He said " People in Ghana, West Africa, Africa and the world are expecting the CPP to offer another visionary and inspiring leadership and Mr George Opersika Aggudey our Presidential Candidate for the December elections is the man, we must support and market, for victory is assured".

Commenting on the decision of the Central Committee of the party to refer its 2000 Presidential Candidate Professor George P. Hagan and three others to the party's Disciplinary Committee for "acts intended to undermine the credibility and fortunes of the party", Dr Delle said, the CPP family would come out more united than ever.

The others are Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, CPP Parliamentary Candidate for KEEA in 2000 elections and a Minister of Energy in the government of the New Patriotic Party, Dr Vladimir Antwi-Danso and Mr Kwaku Baako Jnr, leading members of the party who have "openly declared their support for other candidates instead of the CPP in the December elections.

Dr Delle said the Central Committee has pledged to uphold the party's basic commitment to equality and discipline adding, "the supremacy and interest of the party would not be compromised for the convenience of any group of individuals".

He said Central Committee re-affirmed its support for Mr George Opersika Aggudey, the party's Presidential Candidate for December elections.

Dr Delle said all CPP members are by the party's constitutional enjoined to support Mr Aggudey in the Presidential elections". The CPP Chairman also entreated all members to renew their loyalty to the party and remain focus to ward off any acts aimed at destabilizing the build-up towards the December elections. Dr Delle urged members especially regional and constituency executives to intensify their on-going organisational activities to elect parliamentary candidates.

He also appealed to CPP members to use party structures to resolve any difference, adding "CPP is a big family and as such family matters must be solve within and we should not run to the outside world first, let us use internal mechanism for conflict resolution". Dr Delle advised leading members to also exercise circumspection when expression their personal sentiments publicly, "as if it is the view and position of the party".

The CPP Chairman also appeals to the media to cross check the credentials of people who would claim to be spokesmen of the party. He said party members have the liberty to express their opinions on issues but statements of commitment, preposition and other official position of the party must come from the national hierarchy. Dr Delle also commended its Presidential Candidate; Mr Aggudey whom he said had exhibited maturity, courage and remained focused in the face of provocation.

He said it is an affront for members of a family to publicly ridicule their head or father, but it takes the favour of God for such a person to remain resolute. 23 May 04