Accra, Nov. 9, GNA - Dr. Edmund N. Delle, Chairman of the Convention People's Party (CPP) on Saturday called for the restoration of the Ghanaian and African ego of self-reliance, courage and tenacity that led the political struggle and eventual liberation of the continent.

"Ghana and Africa needs a new crop of leaders with a clear vision and purpose to brace the new challenge of neo-colonialism, exploitation and to lead the economic liberalization," Dr Delle told the Ghana News Agency in an interview in Accra.

The CPP Chairman said the fortunes of the nation would continue to deteriorate, "until our leaders adopt a diplomatic resilience to face the forces that work against us."

Dr Delle said African freedom fighters and the founders of the nation used mass agitation, militarism and sense of purpose and direction to defeat the challenges of imperialism.

He said they relied on the Ghanaian and African dignity and drummed it to the entire world that the Blackman is not a second fiddle to any race or colour. "This is what we have lost and need to regain it for the economic emancipation of the continent."

The CPP Chairman re-echoed the carrion call of Dr Nkrumah, that the economic independence of the nation is now, saying "the cockerel has come again to crow that wake up call for us to take the destine of our nation, for there lies our strengthen to success."

On the preparation of the CPP towards the 2004 election, he said the high sense of loyalty and solidarity exhibited by supporters at the party's recent National Delegate Congress was a clear signal that the CPP was still a viable and potent political party to win election next year.

Dr Delle said the party supporters had demonstrated through their actions, votes and resolutions adopted at the congress their desire to ensure that the party executives at all levels worked in unity to contest the forthcoming general elections.

He said, members of the party had again demonstrated their willingness to organise themselves and struggle to recapture lost ground and eventually win next year's election.

"It is for the show of this heroism that I commit myself more than ever to become the 'Political Moses' to lead the party on its final journey to victory in the forthcoming presidential and parliamentary elections," Dr Delle stressed.

Dr Delle said integrity, dedication and courage coupled with leadership with truthful service and commitment would be his guiding principles to mobilise the masses to support the party for an electoral showdown with the other major parties.

He emphasis that the Nkrumaist thrust, which won independence for the country was "obliged to redeem Ghanaians from the deplorable conditions they find themselves in today in order to recapture her leading role in Africa's search for economic development."

He called for unity and discipline within the rank and file of the party for effective electioneering campaign, adding, " with the (intra-party) elections, over we are all winners, what we have to do, is to collectively forge ahead with one sense of purpose to oil the CPP political wheel and to become once more vibrant to capture power."