Antoakrom (Ash.), July 22, GNA - Prof Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, one of the five presidential candidate aspirants of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has stepped up his campaign with a tour of the Ashanti Region.

He began the visit with courtesy calls on the Asantehemaa, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaah Ampem, the Zarakin Zongo and some religious leaders including the regional Chief Imam and the Catholic Metropolitan Archbishop of Kumasi.

He later conferred with the regional party executive before heading to the Amansie West Constituency with his campaign team to meet the delegates whose votes on August 7 would decide who among the five contestants gets the nod to lead the NPP to the battle for political power in 2012.

The celebrated heart surgeon and former Chief Executive Officer of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital first stop was at Ahwerewa where he received a rousing welcome by enthusiastic party supporters.

Nana Agyenim Boateng, his Northern Sector Campaign Coordinator, told the Ghana News Agency that they had been overwhelmed by the massive show of support.

"It has been simply fantastic", he said.

The candidate would spend one week in the region.