Sunyani (B/A) Oct. 3, GNA - Mr. Frank Opoku Agyemang, one of the candidate vying for the Brong-Ahafo Regional Chairmanship of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Thursday implored supporters to ensure a unified front and help address the diverse problems that led to the party's loss in the 2008 general election.

He said the NPP chalked a number of successes under the eight years administration of former President J.A. Kufuor in the areas of infrastructural development, but stressed that "because of divisions and complacency within the rank and file, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) took advantage to wrest power".

Speaking on a Sunyani-based radio station, Ark Fm, Mr. Agyemang stated that "the NPP remains as a strong party under a great elephant" and there was the need for disgruntled members and supporters to use dialogue in settling their differences and prepare adequately for the 2012 elections.

He explained that Ghanaians were now matured in politics and advised the party's foot soldiers to avoid and relegate politics of lies, but propagate its ideals and philosophies to woo more people to enable the party to regain power in the next elections. "Politics and campaigns of outright lies should not be encouraged and promoted," Mr. Agyemang said.

He noted that the gains and future of the NPP depended on people at the grassroots and urged the party's hierarchy to provide incentive packages to the foot soldiers to motivate them to intensify the campaign drive.

Asked about his intention to contest for the chairmanship, Mr. Agyemang said the party's defeat in the 2008 elections was a "big blow" and emphasized the need for the youth within to channel their exuberance and resources into programmes that would enable the party grow and win subsequent elections.

The aspiring Regional Chairman explained that if given the nod, he would work hard to project the ideals of Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia, the late Prime Minister and also ensure feuding factions within the party are brought together.

Mr. Agyemang said without peace, understanding and cohesion among the rank and file, it would be very difficult for the party to wrestle power from the NDC in 2012, and appealed to the national, regional, district and constituency executives, to bury their differences and forge ahead in unity towards achieving the common goal. He reiterated the importance to organise regular seminars to educate foot soldiers to become abreast with electoral procedures. 3 Oct. 09