Mr Collins Duodu Bonsu, a 39-year-old Management Consultant, was on Sunday elected chairman of the Offinso South constituency of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

He polled 62 votes to beat Nana Wiafe Ababio, who had 44 votes in a keenly contested election.

It was so keenly contested that the post of women's organiser had to go a second round after the two contestants, Madam Agnes Obeng and Madam Akosua Serwah, both polled 53 votes each.

However, at the second round, Madam Serwah polled 79 votes against 26 votes by Madam Obeng.

Mr Thomas Osei Kofi polled 68 votes to beat Mr Nduro Forson who had 38 votes to be elected as the first vice-chairman, while Mr Kwaku Lawyer got 56 votes to beat Mr Kofi Prempeh Pambour who had 50 votes for the post of youth organiser.

Mr Kofi Awuah Amoakoh had 61 votes as against 45 votes polled by Mr Adolf Gyamfi to become the secretary while Mr Afryie Agyemang polled 64 to beat Mr Jones Wiafe Akenten who had 42 votes to become the assistant secretary.

Mr Kwasi Amoah, Mr Ofori Mensah Onipamu and Mr Kwabena Boaponsem were returned unopposed as second vice-chairman, organiser and treasurer respectively.

Speaking after the elections, Mr Fredrick Fredua Antoh, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, commended the delegates for the peaceful manner in which the election was conducted and hoped that the results would end factionalism within the party in the constituency.

He regretted that the constituency had never known peace and reminded them that the NDC was very active in the constituency, they should therefore not allow cracks in their ranks to enable the NDC have a leeway.

Mr Joseph Oduro, Offinso District Chief Executive, who also commended the people for holding the election peacefully, told the new executive that they had a heavy responsibility to win more support for the party.

Mr Bonsu expressed his gratitude to the delegates for the confidence reposed in him and promised that he will not let them down.

He also commended the immediate past executive for their fortitude and promised to continue from where they left off.

Mr Bonsu said with the coming into office of the new executive, "all the factionalism, wrangling and petty squabbles" among the party in the constituency should be a thing of the past and pledged to unite all the factions to win the 2004 elections.