Accra, May 19, GNA - A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ablekuma North constituency, Mr. Adu Gyamfi Okyere, has appealed to members of the party to desist from putting pressure on the flag bearer, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to select his running mate from a particular region or religion.

Mr. Okyere, the former Chairman of the constituency, said though it was good to suggest people to the flag bearer for consideration, it must not be based on geographical setting or religion.

He told the GNA in an interview in Accra that in the choice of a

running mate, what was important was the person's ability to deliver,

his or her commitment to the party, his or her integrity and

competency, a person who is popular and has good academic

background. "Since NPP is a national party it can select its flag bearer and the

running mate from any part of the country and still have the blessing

from members and supporters." Mr. Okyere suggested to Nana Akufo-Addo and the leadership of

the party to consider Mr. Ato Essuman, Member of council of State,

for the position. He said Mr. Essuman, who is also the Chief Director of the

Ministry of Education Science and Sport, is a founding member of the

party and the first secretary of the Danquah/Busia club in Accra. He is a former national Lay President of the Methodist Church. Mr Okyere said Mr. Essuman made significant contributions to the

building of the party in Ablekuma North and the nation as a whole. "At the time people did not want to be identified with the party,

Mr. Essuman stood tall and defended the party," he said and added

that he represented the party on a television programme on the

financing of political parties. He said Mr. Essuman offered himself to contest the 1992

parliamentary elections on the ticket of the party at Ablekuma North

when the party was finding it difficult to get a candidate. 19 May 08