Sekondi, Aug. 16, GNA - The much publicised New Patriotic Party (NPP) delegates' congress and rally is underway at the Sekondi College. The congress, which is being attended by about 1,500 delegates, including some members of the diplomatic corps, 3,000 special guests and a large number of party supporters is on the theme: "NPP we moving forward".

The delegates are coming from the various branches of the party in the United Kingdom, United States of America (USA) and some European countries.

Other participants are from branches in Botswana, Canada, Cote d'Ivoire and other African countries.

As early as 0600 hours, the delegates clad in various party paraphernalia arrived at the Sekondi College (SEKCO) premises amidst singing, drumming and dancing of their "kangaroo" dance.

The auditorium of SEKCO is filled to capacity while canopies and closed circuit televisions have been placed at vantage points, to enable those who do not have access into the room to see the entire proceedings.

The congress is also being telecast live on several television and radio stations.

The police, community police officers, assisted by a few soldiers have taken vantage positions to ensure law and order.

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the Ambulance Service and other auxiliary services have been provided.

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, flagbearer, who is presently going through some principal streets of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, is receiving massive welcome by traders and hawkers at the Takoradi Market Circle.

Nana Owusu-Ankomah, Western Regional Chairman of the NPP in his welcome address, said the party hopes to increase its parliamentary seats in the pending elections.

He urged all those who lost in the respective primaries and those who were disqualified by the National Executive Council (NEC) to emulate the example of the 17 presidential aspirants who lost in their bid to lead the party. Nana Ankomah said though they lost, they have all rallied behind Nana Akufo-Addo to campaign for victory for the party in December. He said the NPP was going to prove to the entire world that Ghana under the party understands democracy and freedom. "The party is going to build on what President Kufuor has done," he said, and urged all to join them. A minutes silence was observed in memory of the late Peter Ala Adjetey, immediate past speaker of Parliament. Delegates from the People's National Convention (PNC), Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) and 57 TESCON institutional branches were also present.

Mr Peter Mac Manu, National Chairman of the NPP, said the conference closes on a highly productive eight years of administration under the leadership of President John A. Kufuor. He said whether the party will have the opportunity to continue the progressive policies will depend on whether "we maintain our unity as we approach the campaign towards the elections. "NPP is growing by the day and has so far elected 229 out of the 230 parliamentary seats".

Referring to the recent voter registration, Mr Mac Manu said their party participated actively and expressed the hope that many party supporters and sympathisers registered.

"We must not allow personal ambitions to divide the party.

"Our individual ambitions can only be achieved through the party. Each one should therefore remember that the interest of the party should guide us and allow the spirit of unity to direct our ranks and work, to achieve our greater goal of winning power in 2008 elections," he stressed.

"We have declared that we believe in Ghana and have invited our compatriots to join us and make the call a reality.

"Failure of the NPP will be a failure of Ghana and Africa, and we must work hard to make a memorable impact on the elections.

"We must work towards achieving a peaceful, free and fair election and educate our supporters to engage in responsible arguments and not engage in acts that could lead to threats and tension in the country," he said.

On the choice of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as Nana Akufo-Addo's running mate, Mr Mac Manu said the NEC believed that he would be an excellent material for the party.

He appealed to all members of the party not to vote "skirt and blouse", but be loyal and committed to the party. He therefore cautioned members of the party not to make a mistake of doing that, adding that, "the party which we have nurtured with all our strength should be of interest to all". He appealed to party members to be loyal and participate in the party's activities. Mr Mac Manu commended the Tertiary Education Students Confederacy (TESCON) for their activities over the years. Other activities lined up include meeting of the youth, women, parliamentary candidates.