Accra, Sept. 10, GNA - Professor Edmund N. Delle, a Dermatologist and Ms Yaba Samia Nkrumah, Member of Parliament for Jomoro, leading contenders in the National Chairmanship race of the Convention Peoples'

Party (CPP) arrival at the Congress grounds gave vitality to delegates. Led by vociferous singers and dancers wearing Tee Shirts with her effigy embossed on them, Ms Nkrumah in all white apparel triumphantly arrived at

the venue with a choreographic dance amid wild cheers. Prof. Delle arrived with a royal retinue led by a linguist holding a staff with the party's emblem amidst drumming and dancing, he was greeted with thunderous applause from the delegates and supporters.

Before the arrival of these two leading contenders, Mr Ladi Nylander incumbent National Chairman and Ms Araba Benchi-Enchil, Second Vice Chairman also contending for the National Chairmanship slot were already seated. Other aspirants for the various positions on the National Executive Committee were given appreciable recognition on their arrival.

In a solidarity message, Mr Kofi Adams, Deputy General Secretary of National Democratic Congress (NDC) commended the CPP for eventually organising the congress.

"The NDC commends you for the resilience and tenacity to succeed which has culminated with the Congress," Mr Adams noted.

The NDC Deputy General Secretary acknowledged the fraternal relationship between the NDC and CPP and prayed for a successful congress. Conspicuously absent at the opening session was Dr Paa Kwasi Nduom, the party's Presidential Candidate during Election 2008.

Other leading members of the party present were Dr Kwaku Osafo, Professor Agyeman-Badu Akosa, Mr Bright Akwetey all presidential hopefuls, Professor Francis Nkrumah, Mr Sekou Nkrumah and Dr Vladimir Antwi Danso.

The CPP is the third political party after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the NDC to elect National Officers towards gearing up for Election 2012.