Essikado (W/R), Dec. 19, GNA - Hundreds of jubilant supporters of Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, the Presidential candidate of the Convention People's Party (CPP), on Tuesday night trooped to the streets to give him a rousing welcome when he arrived at Essikado near Sekondi. Not perturbed by the late arrival of Dr. Nduom and his team from Kumasi where he emerged winner at the party's congress earlier in the day, the supporters accompanied by brass band music, sang and danced for joy for his victory that was symbolically regarded as the re-awakening of the CPP.

Many Nkrumahists see Essikado, the cradle of the CPP in the Western Region, as the "Mecca" of the CPP tradition. It was no surprise for Dr. Nduom to choose Essikado as one of the first places to visit and thanked the chief and people for their support.

Addressing them, he said he would not renege on his promise to make the country a better place for all if elected president in the 2008 election.

He said CPP had its origin in Essikado, Tarkwa, Sekondi and Takoradi all in the Western Region and apart from this the region produced the bulk of the nation's wealth.

"The Western Region will be rewarded adequately in the provision of good roads and development projects if CPP assumes the reign of government."

Dr. Nduom said the party had all the human and other resources to match the leading political parties boot for boot in every department of the political campaign.

"What is need is hard work, unity, and loyalty to the cause of the party and also sacrifices by the rank and file of the CPP." "The tone for victory in the elections has been set and I expect all to be actively involved in the campaign to ensure that we assume the reigns of government come 2008".

Dr. Nduom said he would focus on employment generation by re-activating factories that were established during the first republic to enhance wealth creation and also expand rail transport. He said the CPP government would be the best alternative to the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party who had squandered their chances to make Ghana a better place for the people.

Dr. Nduom called at the Essikado Palace to thank the chief and elders for their prayers.

He said before the congress he called to ask for their blessings and after winning the race it was only proper that he came back to thank them.

He expressed the hope that he would enjoy similar blessings and support from "the area that possesses part of the spirit of the CPP" to enable the party to win the elections. Dr. Nduom said he had called on the chiefs and elders at Manhyia in Kumasi and Elmina to thank them for their support and blessings. Abusuapanin Kwesi Amamoo of Essikado on behalf of the chief and elders pledged the traditional council's continued support for the CPP. 19 Dec 07