Afrancho (Ash), March 20, GNA - A New Patriotic Party (NPP) functionary has said the large number of prospective candidates for the party's presidential slot for election 2008 was proof of the democratic nature of the party.

Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, the Chairman of the Kwabre West Constituency of the NPP, said when he led the constituency executives to interact with the people of Afrancho, Bronkong and Krobo at separate meetings on Sunday as part of his six-month familiarisation tour of the constituency.

He said the NPP was built on strong democratic pillars and will therefore continue to grow from strength to strength.

The Constituency Chairman advised Ghanaians to cease criticising the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and register with it to enable them to benefit from the scheme in the event of any sickness. "Speculations that the NHIS is a failure and is not functional is untrue. It is a mere political propaganda, designed to dent the positive achievements of the NPP, and should therefore be ignored".

Nana Darkoh Amprah II, Bronkonghene and Nana Yaa Pokuaah, Queenmother of Krobo, both lauded the government for the positive transformation brought so far to bear on the communities and appealed for more physical development in the area. 20 March 06