An eight-man delegation from the Northern Caucus of the NPP in USA has arrived in Ghana to study and research how the NPP can bring the three Northern regions of Ghana into the winning column of the NPP in the 2008 general elections. The delegation is led by Mr. Mohammed Idris who is also serving as the Chairperson of the NPP North American Branch in the USA and Canada.

Mr. Mohammed Idris said the delegation will meet the newly elected National Executives of the NPP and then will tour the Northern, Upper East and Upper West Regions and key Zongo sections in the major cities. As part of the tour, the Northern Caucus will also present awards to polling station agents and dedicated leaders at the polling station and constituency levels. Mr. Idris emphasized that one of the key reasons for the awards to the executives at the polling station and constituency levels is to show that the NPP has not forgotten its foot soldiers and also to show that the NPP is absolutely committed to building a grassroots party. The funds for the awards were donated by party faithful in the USA who have recognized the key role the Northern Caucus is playing in researching and developing strategic plans to capture the three northern regions for the NPP.

The NPP North American Chairman mentioned that when the NPP came into power in 2000, the party inherited an economy that was bankrupt and President Kufuor has turned the economy around to the level where Ghana is now seen as a model for other African countries. Mr. Mohammed Idris said the NPP in 2000 had to tackle a runaway inflation, high interest rate of over 40%, and diminishing foreign reserves. Mr. Idris explained that under this state of affairs in 2000, these economic indicators mentioned had to be brought under control to stabilize the economy. President Kufuor took some bold decisions and turned the economy in the right direction. With the visionary leadership of President Kufuor, as so aptly and eloquently stated by US President George W. Bush, Ghana is now ready to tackle the human side of its tender democracy.

Further the NPP North American chairperson and leader of the Northern Caucus delegation to Ghana stated because of the enviable record established by President Kufuor, in the last 5 years, Ghana now has the assistance of the major economies of the world. Ghana will get the crucial support needed as President Kufuor embarks on new programs to alleviate poverty, to improve the welfare of Ghanaians, and to improve health care for Ghanaians. Mr. Idris mentioned that as a testimony to the outstanding record of leadership of President John Agyekum Kufuor, in July 2006, Ghana will sign the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) compact. Ghana will be one of the first few countries to source funds from the MCA from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). He went further to say Ghana under President Kufuor will have the funds from the US to invest directly in its people and programs that will benefit the average Ghanaian ? the human side of democracy.

Mr. Mohammed Idris also commended Mr. Mac Manu, the newly elected NPP National Chairperson, for putting peace and tranquility for the Tamale area over the self interest of the party by not participating in the Tamale bye-elections. Mr. Idris said the Northern Caucus of the USA recognized that the NPP as the party in government cherishes and respects the freedom and safety of the people of the Tamale Area. The Northern Caucus said it was a wise and noble decision by Mac Manu because the party?s aspirations were put on hold for the benefit of the people of Tamale.

Mr. Idris also mentioned that the Northern Caucus and the North American Branch of NPP will work with the Chicago Chapter of the NPP in funding the party?s international desk at the party headquarters.

Mr. Idris said the delegation will be in Ghana for 6 weeks and at the end this period, the delegation will complete the strategic research and plans for the NPP to win the three Northern Regions in the 2008 General elections.

Kofi Amoabin Chairperson NPP Chicago Chapter