Failure to deliver on campaign promises, bad economic policies and mismanagement of state resources have made many people lose confidence in politicians, says Abraham Kofi Asante, interim General Secretary of the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP). He said this does not augur well for accelerated socio-economic development, but added that, "DFP will work hard towards changing this trend if voted into power in the 2008 elections".

"We shall not tow the line of past governments but will evolve proactive economic measures, which are geared towards addressing the needs of the masses", he said. Mr Asante was speaking at a forum organised by the Ashanti regional executive of the party in Kumasi, on Saturday.

The forum was to explain the mission and programmes the party was putting in place to canvass for support at the grassroots. He expressed optimism that the party would cause "an upset" in the 2008 elections and called on members to eschew hatred, arrogance and acts that would stagnate the party’s growth and development. The Interim General Secretary denied reports that there was a leadership crisis in the party with members struggling for positions, saying, "There is no iota of truth in those reports since the party’s leadership is united for a common purpose".

Mr Emmanuel Nti-Fordjour, Interim Regional Vice-Chairman, urged Ghanaians to tolerate divergent views to enhance the country’s development. Opanin Kwame Afreh, Interim Regional Organiser, cautioned supporters to endeavour to be abreast of the party’s manifesto, which would be launched soon. He called on members to be disciplined and abide by the party’s tenets.