Awutu-Mankessim (Central Region), 23 Feb. '99,

Leading members of three political parties in the Awutu traditional area and their followers have defected to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at a ceremony at Awutu-Mankessim. They are Warrant Officer Class One S.K. Romeo-Tetteh (Rtd), parliamentary candidate of the National Convention Party in the last elections, Mr Jacob Love Affedu Convention Party's constituency chairman for Awutu/Senya, and Mr S.K. Ampofo, ward organise(New Patriotic Party for Awutu-Bawjiase electoral area. Speaking at the function presided over by Nai Kwao Otuo, a member of the NDC, the three leaders congratulated the NDC government for carrying out promises it made to the electorate. W/O Romeo-Tetteh and Mr Affedu said they appreciated the creditable performance of the NDC and the district chief executive, Lieutenant Daniel William Osardu. They, therefore, pledged to team up with the NDC to help develop the nation and play a key role in next year's general election to ensure a landslide victory for the NDC. Mr Adam Hakeem, an opinion leader and a leading member of the NDC, advised the defected members to remain loyal to the leadership of the party. Mr Muhammadu Kotoko, Bawjiase area ward chairman of the NDC, charged members to start the campaign to win more votes for the party in the 2000 election.