Gushiegu (N/R), Sept. 11, GNA - Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, flag bearer of the Convention People's Party (CCP), for Election 2008, on Wednesday donated food items to victims of the recent clash between National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters at Gushiegu in the Northern Region.

The items that worth 45, 000 Ghana cedis included 40 bags of maize, 20 bags of rice, 10 bags of sugar and 10 cartons of cooking oil. Dr. Nduom said the donation was meant to alleviate the plight of the victims and give them psychological support following the traumatic experiences they had gone through.

He said the CPP was not taking advantage of the situation but showing genuine concern for the people.

Dr. Nduom said "Whether you are CCP, NPP and NDC the important thing is that we are all Ghanaians and must assist one another in times of difficulties".

He said the CPP was not in Gushiegu to apportion blame to any political party for the violence.

Dr. Nduom said the development of the Northern part of Ghana was now a major political agenda of all political parties to help bridge the development gap between Northern and Southern parts of the country. He expressed worry that the Northern part of the country continued to witness violence,

Dr. Nduom said "It would be wrong for the people of the North to make people feel that they are not ready for development because of the recurrence of violence in the area". He urged the people in Northern Ghana to let peace prevail for the development of the area.

The CPP flag bearer paid a courtesy call on Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, Northern Regional Minister, who expressed regret at the violence in Gushiegu.

The Minister expressed hope that with the support of eminent persons like Dr. Nduom, peace would return to the area. He said there was the need for constant public education on the need for peace and the use of dialogue in resolving differences among the people. Mr. Alhassan Ibrahim, an opinion leader in Gushiegu, who received the items on behalf of the people, thanked Dr. Nduom and the CPP for their assistance, saying "To get to a man's heart you will first have to get to his mouth". Dr. Nduom was accompanied to Gushiegu by some CPP executive members including: Professor Abubakari Al-Hassan, a member of the central committee of the party, Alhaji Mohammed Tijani, CPP Regional Chairman and Mr. Basharu Daballi, CPP Regional Organiser.