The NDC Member of Parliament for Amenfi West and Minority Spokesman on Energy, Abraham Kofi Asante has intimated his intention to defect to the ruling New Patriotic Party, come the year 2004.

The Statesman newspaper says his decision is largely due to merciless assault meted out to him by his own party members during the December 21 special congress to choose a flagbearer at the University of Ghana, Legon, Accra.

The Energy Spokesman did not hide his support for Dr Kwesi Botchwey and as a result, suffered intimidation, harassment and physical abuse from political gangsters considered to be supporters of Prof Mills.

The MP?s relationship with his party now is what can be described as ?love gone sour? because he has allegedly vowed to relinquish his seat and sever links with Jerry Rawlings and his NDC, the very day Parliament dissolves for the next elections.

But Mr Kofi Asante denied the story when the Statesman contacted him. He said ?I was vigorously involved in the Botchwey campaign but we all recognized that Prof Mills was also a potential presidential candidate. I have no intention not to support him. Some of us, although, seen as cast-away have been in politics too long. I don?t think that maturity would allow me to do so. I have no desire to work against Mills?.

He told the paper that he had lodged a complaint on the assault to the National Organiser of the party and is awaiting the party?s action. ?But we haven?t got to a point where I will quit the party?.