"We are at a crossroad," bellowed Papa Owusu-Ankomah, as he spoke yesterday on matters arising prior to tomorrow's national congress of the New Patriotic Party.

"The party's democratic tradition must be protected," added Kofi Konadu Apraku, who said "intimidation and harassment" for votes were threatening the party?s cohesion. "It?s all about protecting, preserving and promoting the party," adds Yaw Osafo-Maafo, who is also duly worried.

Indeed, The Statesman can report that in the past week, several of the candidates when they go to meet with delegates speak more on how not the delegates must vote than why they should be the preferred choice. Even Vice President Aliu, addressing delegates at Wa and Bolga over the weekend spent most of the time to speak against the common concerns of some 16 of the aspirants.

Even those whose late entry into the contest were seen as a ploy to beef up the 'preferred candidate?, because the two men are strong Kufuor loyalists, can now be heard damning the machinations at play.

Felix Owusu-Adjapong in Tamale, Papa Owusu-Ankomah in Volta, are just some of the examples.

Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, Nana Akufo-Addo, Dan Botwe, Kwame Addo-Kufuor are among those publicly expressing concerns.

We, are, however hopeful that the congress will be held in a way that will re-affirm the party?s reputation as of high principles and strong on free will.

The congress must be able to send a clear message to the country that the NPP has not forgotten about its principles because of power; that the party is true to its principles; that the party cannot be harassed nor can it be bought.

Indeed, what kept the family together in most of its thirty years in opposition was the strength and conviction of its leadership and rank and file, who failed to sell their conscience to the PNDC and NDC.

This point would be re-made Saturday. Long live the NPP! Long live Ghana!