*CPP CHAIRPERSON’S STATEMENT ON 2012 ELECTIONS*

The Convention People’s Party (CPP) congratulates His Excellency John Dramani Mahama on his election as President of Ghana, the Electoral Commission for conducting the 2012 general elections, and all political parties that participated in the process. We also commend all the people of Ghana who exercised their democratic right to uphold our democracy. It is our sincere hope that all questions of fairness in the process will be resolved quickly so we can maintain a sense of national consensus and cohesion.

Ghana has now seen six successful elections since 1992 and it is our hope that our country remains a place of peace and a beacon of democracy in the region.

We thank all the members and supporters of the CPP and in the words of Maya Angelou, “While one may encounter many defeats, one must not be defeated.” Despite this year’s major setback to our political project, we are continuing to uphold the principles of truth, sincerity and integrity in our politics. We are continuing to represent the ordinary Ghanaian who wants social justice and a higher standard of living and freedom from economic hardship.

The result of the election is not in any way a reflection of the calibre of our candidates from Parliamentary to the Presidential level, nor a rejection of our policies. Whilst the election campaign was fought on issues, the voting was not based on issues, but on the polarised nature of our politics and attendant tactical voting.

For the last few decades, those who have been pushing forward the revival of Kwame Nkrumah’s vision for Ghana and Africa have faced many challenges. This election year has presented the leadership of the CPP with particular challenges that made it impossible for us to implement the radical reforms we believe are necessary for the Party’s progress. Today, we are free to roll out those plans without delay.

As soon as practicable, we will hold our first post-election National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to set out our plans and programmes that will include re-strategizing at the local level, Party political education and above all an activist-oriented approach to issues that touch on the lives of all Ghanaians. We are also going to pursue our quest to regain the CPP’s confiscated assets.

Let us strive valiantly in all our endeavours and assure the people of Ghana that we may not have representation in Parliament for the next four years, but will vigorously champion the aspirations of the people of Ghana whom we exist to serve.

We salute all those of you who with great enthusiasm and devotion have dedicated yourselves to the ideals of Nkrumaism, ideals that even in our misfortune remain relevant in the quest to realize fair distribution of opportunities for all. The CPP is founded on a struggle for rights and we are determined to continue. We are not afraid and we shall overcome.

Forward Ever, Backwards Never!

SAMIA YABA NKRUMAH

Chair* *