Accra, Dec. 22, GNA - The much publicised Special National Delegates Congress of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to select a flag bearer out of 17 leading contenders took-off in euphoric atmosphere on Saturday.

The party would be the fourth political party to elect its flag bearer for Election 2008 after the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) had elected Professor John Evans Atta Mills, in December last year.

The People's National Convention (PNC) followed up last month to elect Dr Edward Mahama for the fourth time running to contest for the election, whilst the Convention People's Party (CPP) elected Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom last Monday, December 17.

Ghana News Agency observed jubilant supporters, who had mounted loud speakers outside the vicinity of the Great Hall of the University of Ghana, venue for the Congress blaring out music in honour of their aspirants in an attempt to woo undecided delegates.

The enthusiasm of delegates, observers, aspirants and the cross-section of the supporters were hyped up with various Ghanaian cultural display especially dancers from the northern part of the country who displayed their physical fitness through the dance.

In all 2,326 delegates from the 230 constituencies, patrons of the party and overseas branches with voting right would be voting to elect a flag bearer to lead the party for Election 2008.

As early as 0800 hours when the aspirants started arriving at the congress grounds most of the supporters responded with deep cheers.

The early birds to arrive at the congress grounds included Mr Yaw Osafo-Maafo; Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama; Mr Felix Kwesi Owusu-Agyapong; Mr Jake Otanka Obetsebi-Lamptey and Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng.

Other contenders also filed in later with Mr Hackman Owusu-Agyeman arriving last at 1011 hours. Nana Ohene Ntow, NPP General Secretary, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency assured Ghanaians of a very transparent and fair congress.

He debunked the notion of a rift after the congress, stressing that the party would come out more united and intact and would move ahead to chalk another victory next year.

Nana Ohene Ntow said the heavy security presence was to control and make sure that those who were bent on causing mischief to damage the reputation and integrity of the party were dealt with according to the law.

There was heavy police and military presence at the venue and around the Great Hall.

An official of the Electoral Commission (EC) told GNA that once delegates were firmly seated in the arena where voting would take place, they would be restricted from going anywhere else. Mr Albert Kofi Arhin, EC Chief Director of Elections, said in view of the large number of flag bearer aspirants, the EC would set up 10 polling booths to facilitate a smooth and quick voting procedure.

He said the EC and the Party Executives adopted these

measures in accordance with the Electoral Law and the NPP's

constitution to ensure free, fair and transparent elections.

Mr Arhin said the delegates would vote region by region and constituency by constituency, adding that the delegates, wearing their identification badges, would go through five processing

stages prior to voting.

"We have already given them the notice of the poll, which shows the positions of the contestants on the ballot papers," he

said, and explained that it was meant to educate delegates on

how to vote. Mr Arhin said before the poll takes place, each aspirant would

be given five minutes to talk to round off their campaign. He also said EC officials would wear identification tags and go

through searches to enhance transparency. Mr Arhin appealed to the delegates to remain calm and go

about their political activities dutifully during the congress and also

reminded them that as soon as the EC took over the elections, its

officials would take absolute control of proceedings.