The New Patriotic Party continues to grow in strength and popularity as new members troop to the fold, both in Ghana and Abroad. The party has been particularly energized in the USA where membership is soaring with the establishment of chapters across the states. The latest addition is the Cincinnati Chapter in Ohio, which was inaugurated on Saturday August 18, 2007. Beaming with smiles and a sense of triumph, members of the party from far and near, congregated at Fairfield, Cincinnati to witness the birth of yet another chapter of the rejuvenated NPP-USA.

Dr. Agyenim Boateng, the Assistant Attorney General of the State of Kentucky was the Chairman for the occasion. In his opening address, he praised H.E. J.A Kufuor’s led N.P.P government which he emphasized, has nurtured democratic values such as the rule of law; respect for individual rights and freedoms; freedom of expression and association; and the right to own property. These are fundamental principles that drive the party. He noted the spectacular economic progress made by Ghana under the N.P.P government, as evidenced by the reduction in inflation; stabilization of the cedi; institution of the free school feeding program; the National Health Insurance Scheme; and miles and miles of road construction among others. He urged all present to work hard to ensure that the party retains power in the coming 2008 elections for the N.P.P to continue with its good work.

At his turn, the NPP-USA Chairman, Mr. Kofi A. Boateng, explained issues such as voting by Ghanaians living abroad, registration for dual citizenship; the establishment of the International Desk at the N.P.P headquarters in Ghana among others. He was ecstatic about the high level of enthusiasm of the newly elected executives and members of the Cincinnati Chapter, all of whom have paid their $100 contribution toward the “2 by 1” initiative. In presenting their membership picture ID cards, the NPP-USA Chairman challenged the new Cincinnati chapter to continue to work hard to secure at least fifty dues-paying members by the time the USA branch goes to its Congress in Dallas on October 20th , 2007.

Mr. Kofi Boateng singled out for commendation, Elder Kofi Adu Gyamfi, Patron, who took the initiative to start a Chapter in Cincinnati, contacted Prince Osei Bonsu, a member of the NPP-USA national executive and recruited other patrons, such as Mr. Kwaku Larbi to bring the effort into reality. Above all he selflessly stepped aside for someone else to be voted as the Chapter’s Chairman; Mr. Felix Gyabaa-Mensah who has carried the baton very admirably. Mr. Kofi Nevis, President of the non-partisan Ghana Association thanked the people of Cincinnati for responding positively to the NPP-USA Cincinnati Chapter and expressed the hope that the same patronage would be extended to other parties when they establish their chapters in the future.

The newly elected chairman of the Cincinnati Chapter, Mr. Felix Gyabaa-Mensah delineated some of the atrocities meted out against Ghanaians by the military regime of J.J. Rawlings and his twenty (20) year misrule which saw the execution of innocent high court judges, confiscation of properties of Ghanaians, sale of state properties without accounting for the proceeds, intimidation of the populace and corruption on unimaginable scale. He urged Ghanaians to make sure that the dark chapter of J.J. Rawlings and his NDC in the history of Ghana remains history forever. The NDC, Mr. Gyabaa-Mensah noted, are doing everything they can to grab power again and must be resisted by all peace loving progressive citizens of Ghana. He charged members to work hard to ensure total victory for the NPP in the presidential and parliamentary elections next year. Members should encourage families and friends in Ghana to be foot soldiers of the NPP, he said.

The newly elected executives were sworn into office by the NPP-USA chairman, Mr. Kofi A. Boateng. Ghanaians in the Cincinnati, Ohio area are encouraged to contact any of the following executives to register for membership of the NPP-USA local chapter:

Felix Gyabaa-Mensah- Chairman- (513) 939 0275 gyabs@fuse.net; Michael Parry- Vice Chairman- (513) 295 7839parrypride@yahoo.com; Fidelis Debrah-Pinamang- Gen. Secretary (513) 942 1814 pinamangd@yahoo.com; Kofi Adu-Gyamfi – Patron- (859) 431 7885- kagoman@fuse.net; Kwaku A. Larbi- Patron- (513) 560 4377 -Kate Boadi- Treasurer and Samuel Yaw Mensah- Organizer.