Politics of Wednesday, 31 October 2007

Source: GNA

NPP foot soldiers distressed over roles in Ablekuma Central

Accra, Oct. 31, GNA - A cloud of uneasiness hangs over the role of most New Patriotic Party (NPP) foot-solders in the Ablekuma Central Constituency, who claim that the top hierarchy of the party had neglected them since it came to power in 2001.

Many of them have expressed great disappointment because of the lack of effective collaboration among the foot soldiers and the constituency executives and had decided to advice themselves when campaigning begins in earnest.

Mr Lawrence Nat Hesse, Polling Station Chairman, addressing polling station executives in the constituency on Sunday said the situation had left much to be desired creating the impression that NPP was not effective in the constituency.

He advised the foot-soldiers not to undermine each other but to do all they could to ensure that NPP won power come 2008, adding that he would use his organizational ability and experience to embark on a sustained campaign to enable the party to retain maximum support during the electioneering period.

When contacted, Mr Okuley Nortey, Member of Parliament (NPP) for the Constituency confirmed the claim by the foot soldiers and said, he was even surprised that none of the constituency executives attended a get-together organized by the foot soldiers to settle their differences. He said "I strongly favour a dialogue since the NPP will be seen as a truly democratic party, hence the need for me to attend a get-together organized by the foot-soldiers."

Mr Okuley said it was only through collaboration between the supporters and constituency executives that the NPP could achieve its targets, adding that, "what do you think will happen if I fail to attend a get-together organized by the very people who voted for me?" He warned against activities that were becoming detrimental to the progress of the party in the constituency and called on the foot soldiers that were getting discouraged to stand firm.

Mr Robert Sabah, Constituency Chairman said, they boycotted the meeting of the foot soldiers because it was unconstitutional for them to call a meeting without informing the constituency executives.