Bekwai (Ash), Dec. 21, GNA - Mr Joe Osei-Owusu, the Independent Member of Parliament-elect for Asante-Bekwai, has declared his support for Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate in the run-off of the presidential election on December 28, 2008. He said he sees Nana Akufo-Addo as a competent, truthful and courageous man, who was capable of continuing President Kufuor's achievements.

Speaking to newsmen at Bekwai in the Amansie East Municipality at the weekend, the MP-elect, said the nation had reached its crossroads in its socio-economic development, which called for a broad-minded and capable leader to take Ghana far. Mr Osei-Owusu indicated that the differences that existed between his supporters and that of the NPP during the electioneering campaign had been resolved amicably.

He predicted over 50,000 votes for the NPP presidential candidate in the constituency and noted that in view of that his campaign team had teamed up with stakeholders to embark on a house-to-house campaign to solicit the necessary votes for Nana Akufo-Addo.

Mr Osei-Owusu said in parliament he would work hand-in-hand with the NPP caucus and hoped other independent MPs would follow suit. He hoped the minority parties in the constituency would rally behind Nana Akufo-Addo to ensure a massive victory for the party .. The MP-elect said well-meaning NPP supporters should be wary of deceptive campaign messages being put out there by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), noting that it was not true that they could change the fortunes of the nation if given the mandate to rule.