The Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), J. A. Kufuor, has made a triumphant entry into the Volta Region and penetrated the strong- holds of the NDC.

The five-day tour took him to nine of the 12 districts in the region and he visited every town, every village and every hamlet where he was given a hero's welcome by enthusiastic crowds.

Anlo, Keta and Adidome, which was the waterloo for the party in the two previous general elections saw the greatest human traffic when the flagbearer and his convoy landed.

A mammoth rally at Aflao summed it all up, as thousands of supporters sang 'loud Hosanna' to Kufuor.

He took the opportunity to introduce himself to the traditional rulers and pleaded with them to vote for him to enforce a positive change.

Some of the chiefs openly expressed their support and desire but others were simply hypocritical.

His message was simple and based on the need for a positive change.

Kufuor declared, "There is no genuine peace in the country; peace that does not bring hope for the youth is no peace.' He said the time has come for the country to join advancing countries of the world, adding "the NPP has men and women with proven ability to do the work".

The only legacy President Rawlings and his NDC government would leave for Ghanaians is fear and abject poverty, he underscored.

Kufuor, therefore, called upon Ghanaians to make history this year by changing a government through the ballot box, saying the time has come for Ghanaians to say "Thank You" to President Rawlings and retire him.

He went on, "If Rawlings lives within the laws of Ghana, we will respect him".

The Flagbearer said the PNDC/NDC started as a military dictatorship and does not believe in the rule of law or democracy. We respect the rule of law and going to ensure same. The NDC should go on Opposition bench and learn from us.

On the vexed question of whether an NPP government will expel the people of the region, Kufuor assured that no government can last for long without the Volta Region.

He described Voltarians as decent, honest and hard working people who are found in every sphere of the economy and said the richest suburb in Kumasi is Anlogah, an indication that Ashantes are not anti- ewes.

Ghanaians are God-fearing and tolerant people who suffer silently and leave their agonies to God, he said and explained, "we are suffering not because God does not love us or because an old lady somewhere is bewitching us".

"We are suffering because of bad governance and I blame the government for linking its failure to external forces""

Kufuor assured the people of Afife that his government would revamp their rice farms to offer jobs and produce enough for consumption and for export.

The Chief of Wheta, Torgbui Sorkpor, the Third, cautioned Kufuor to preach and practice peace and watch what he would say on platform in order not to ignite any volatile situation.

"I am a peace loving man who will not start violence. We will accept the results of the election, provided it is free and fair", Kufuor assured.

He advised the people of Dzodze, Dakpa, Ziepe and Ehi to be part of NPP's victory story.