Dr Edward Mahama, leader and flagbearer of the People's National Convention (PNC) on Saturday, said that a merger between his party and the Convention People's Party is possible.

"Both parties remain the only two political organisations with genuine claim to the heritage of Dr Kwame Nkrumah and it will not be out of place if we should merge to win the forthcoming elections" Dr Mahama was speaking to newsmen during the Brong Ahafo Regional Delegates Congress of the party at Sunyani. Delegates from all the 21 constituencies attended the congress, which saw the election of Mr Awudu Nelson, a 45 year-old mechanic as the Regional Chairman with Nana Yeboah as Vice Chairman.

Dr Mahama said that the PNC is committed to a peaceful election and expressed concern over what he called "provocative actions" being perpetuated by a particular party he did not name with the view of precipitating violence. He cited the example of an incident at Saboba Chereponi in the Northern Region, in which the District Chief Executive allegedly organised some soldiers to beat up PNC supporters under the pretext that they have refused pay tax.

Dr Mahama said that the deplorable state of the economy and high cost of living should tell Ghanaians that the present government has failed and should be changed. "This is a year of change and Ghanaians must be bold to vote out the present government, which has proved beyond doubt that it is incapable of solving the country's problems in spite of the huge resources at its disposal."

Dr Mahama said that the PNC could turn Ghana into "a comfortable place to live" if it is given power since its economic blue print - Operation Self Reliance (OSR), has answers to the economic problems of the country. "Under OSR, the government of PNC will introduce subsidies to boost agricultural production and roll out a red carpet to Ghanaians living abroad to come home with their expertise and money to help rebuild the country."

Mr Ali Issifu Issah, Second National Vice Chairman of the party, said that the PNC has men with proven track record who could transform the country within one year when given the chance and appealed to the electorate to vote for the party in the December elections. He called for fair media coverage to enable Ghanaians to make informed judgement as to which party has the best programme.

Dr Mamshie Bawa Ali, National Organiser of the party, disclosed that the PNC is training about 2000 'foot soldiers' throughout the country to help in educating the electorate on its manifesto to attract new members particularly the youth. He said the party was poised to win this year's elections and appealed to Ghanaians not to be afraid of change since the present government has "demonstrated its incompetence in handling the nation's affairs".

Madam Sabina Langton, National Women's organiser urged Ghanaian women to actively participate in politics to enable them to influence policy. She said women should not forget that they are always at the receiving end when things go wrong adding that, this is the reason why they should actively participate in politics.