THE MINISTER of Economic Planning and Regional Integration, Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, has stated his intention of contesting the next parliamentary election on the ticket of Convention People’s Party (CPP).

Speaking in an interview at the recent CPP executive meeting, Dr. Nduom said the CPP is his traditional party and he will continue to be loyal to it. He defended his decision to serve in the NPP government even though both parties are poles apart ideologically.

Dr. Nduom said his position as a Minister in the NPP does not mean that he is an NPP supporter, noting that his duty is to serve Ghanaians and nothing else. Citing instances in Israel where Labour and Likud party officials are working together in spite of their ideological differences, Dr. Nduom rebutted the assertion that people with different ideological leanings cannot work together. The Minister also defended the contentious Parliamentary Action Group (PAG) of the CPP even though it has been disowned by the executive committee of the party.

He said people who are talking against the PAG do not know its relevance to the growth and structure of the party.

Dr. Nduom denied ever using harsh words against any CPP member -- an apparent reference to Kwesi Pratt Jnr. whom he has been quoted as having described as a danger to society