Ketan (W/R), Nov 27, GNA - Dr John Frank Abu, a former Minister of Energy, was on Saturday elected Western Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at a delegates' congress of the Party at Ketan near Takoradi.

He also served as the Minister of Trade and Industries and Western Regional Minister in the NDC government. Dr Abu beat Mr Seidu Adamu, who was his deputy during his tenure as Regional Minister by 68 to 60 votes.

In his acceptance speech, he called on constituency branches of the party to redouble their campaign towards the 2008 elections. He advised the members of the party against undermining, backbiting and rancour, which he said, was destroying the regional branch of the party. Other officers elected included Fuseini Mahama and Nana Kojo Toku, vice chairmen, Miss Anita Annan, women organiser, Madam Araba Tagoe, Second Deputy Women Organiser, Ewurama Esi Amartey, treasurer and Mr Japath Baidoo, Propaganda Secretary.

Colonel Kaku Korsah (rtd), former Chief Executive of the Shama-Ahanta East Metropolitan Assembly (SAEMA) was elected unopposed as Regional Organiser.

Addressing the congress, Professor John Evans Atta Mills, flag-bearer of the NDC in the 2004 elections, asked the regional executives to unite members and supporters to enable the party to carry out its electoral plans.

He said the party could reverse its political fortunes when there was unity and harmony among members and supporters. Prof Atta Mills said although the party is in opposition, it had done its best to expose the truth about conditions in the country and assured the people that it would not disappoint Ghanaians when given the mandate in 2008.

He expressed his willingness to serve the country when given the opportunity to improve the condition of the people. Mr Lee Ocran, National Vice chairman of NDC and Member of Parliament for Jomoro, spoke against differences among the regional executives and the rank and file of the party.

He said the national executives of the party have unsuccessfully tried to resolve these differences.

Mr Ocran said it is time for the executives and members to place the interest of the party above their own and reconcile.