Accra, Feb. 17, GNA - Patriots, a political pressure group that aims at making patriotism fashionable again, on Friday announced plans to revitalize the Convention Peoples Party (CPP). The Patriots, who described themselves as committed and dedicated to Nkrumaism; has membership, which includes leading members of the CPP, students and Ghanaians of all status.

At a press conference, which is part of activities to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the overthrow of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, a member of the Patriots Dr Vladimir Antwi Danso said the CPP was the most viable alternative to all the variants since the overthrow of the Limann Administration.

"We believe that patriotism is lost and governance has been reduced to machinations, intrigues and at times lies. We look upon to Nkrumah as the foremost patriot and we stretch our arms to all Ghanaians especially the youth and women to join us in our genuine quest for true political and economic freedom and justice," he said.

The Patriots whose slogan is "Ghana Before Self and Ghana Deserves Better," requested that a full-length film on the life and achievements of Dr Nkrumah be commissioned as Ghana's gift to the world as the nation prepared to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her independence. They further requested that September 21 be declared as a national holiday, Patriots Day, in honour of the founder of the nation. Dr Antwi Danso said the Patriot sought to create the necessary conditions for re-writing the history of the country, which he said was linked with Dr Nkrumah and the CPP.

Speaking about Dr Kwame Nkrumah and his achievements, Dr Antwi Danso, who is also the former Dean of Students at the University of Ghana, mentioned African Leaders like President Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia; President Sam Nujoma of Namibia, President Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, who he said had been paying glowing tribute to the Ghanaian Patriot, African Patriot and the Black Personality of the millennium. President Thabo Mbeki, South African President, said "the solution to all Africa's problems are in Nkrumah's book" Dr Antwi-Danso quoted adding that the dictum 'Nkrumah never dies' was real.

He said the days of ideological rigidity were gone and there was an urgent need for the Black Man to empower himself, adding that ownership was critical to development.

The Patriots called on all Ghanaians to support their course: "We are stretching forth our arms to all those who labour and are heavy laden."

Other activities to mark the 40th overthrow of Dr Nkrumah include a photographic exhibition, re-launch of Nkrumah's books, youth awareness day, candlelight vigil and a picnic to reunite the Nkruamaist family.