Dr Kwame Addo Kufuor, Minister of Defence, has predicted a first round resounding victory for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) come the 2004 presidential and parliamentary polls.

He, however, advised the members and supporters not to allow complacency to get the better part of them, but to work with renewed commitment, dedication and loyalty to the cause of the party.

Dr Addo Kufuor, who is the acting Minister of the Interior and Member of Parliament (MP) for Manhyia, was addressing an NPP constituency congress of the area at the Saint Anne's Anglican Junior Secondary School in Kumasi on Saturday.

He stated that a lot had been achieved under the NPP's administration, adding that, it was not easy to rebuild an economy shattered by years of incompetence and mismanagement.

The Minister mentioned the construction of some major highways, establishment of community health insurance schemes to replace the discredited cash and carry system in 45 districts, free medical treatment of accident victims, promotion of rice production and substantial increase in the producer price of cocoa as some of the significant achievements made by the government.

On the international front, he said Ghana now enjoyed tremendous goodwill and respect, saying that, relations with its neighbours that was characterised by mistrust and suspicion, has now given way to mutual respect, trust and co-operation.

"The sum total of our achievements within our first term in office will convince the electorate to renew our mandate for another four year term," hesaid.

Mr. Fredrick Fredua Antoh, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the party, said they have targeted to win 95 percent of votes in Ashanti in the 2004 general elections.

This, he said, demands of all functionaries and activists hard work, self-denial and sacrifice.

Mr Antoh told them to let the public know of the gains made by the government, pointing out that, "we have a lot to be proud of and openly tell the people about".

Mr. Maxwell Kofi Jumah, Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive, announced that the government, through the assemblies had awarded 770 school blocks on constract.

All the constituency executive members of the party in the area, were returned unopposed.

They include Nana Osei Mensah, chairman, Alhaji M. Meigari, first vice-chairman, Micheal Opoku, second vice-chairman, Abed Atta Annor, secretary, Kwadwo Afriyie, organiser, Baah Achamfour, assistant secretary, Madam Afua Serwaah, women organiser and Alhaji Razik Sulley, youth organiser.