Koforidua (B/A), Nov. 15, GNA - About 70 members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at Koforidua in the Nkoranza South Constituency have defected to the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Mr Peter Awisi, NPP Chairman for the area, announced this at the Party's rally at Koforidua in the brong Ahafo Region, during which the NPP Parliamentary Candidate, Mr Kwame Amporfo-Twumasi launched his electioneering campaign.

Mr Awisi said the defection of the NDC supporters was very surprising as Koforidua had been NDC's stronghold since the 1992 elections.

"The new turn in the political history of Koforidua is a true reflection of the fact that the people have seen the good work and programmes of the NPP Government headed by President John Agyekum Kufuor," Mr Awisi said.

The defectors, according to Mr Awisi, included Madam Gladys Nyantakyiwaa Akosommo, Miss Rahiatu Yakubu, Mr Latif Osman and Mr Latif Osman Mubarak.

He further announced that a seven-member executive had been elected to help in the Party's campaign programme towards the forthcoming general polls.

Addressing the rally, Mr Amporfo-Twumasi commended the defected NDC supporters for choosing the right path at long last, more especially, at the time when the nation was preparing to elect new presidential and parliamentary candidates to the Castle, Osu.

He cautioned people in the area to be wary of false political leaders, who would promise them the moon, if voted to power only for the community after endorsing them to realize that such promises were mere wishful thinking.

"Be guided by the immediate past and present governances and decide which of the two you deem would really help you in your development programmes when voted to power for the next four-year term", Mr Amporfo-Twumasi who is also the Nkoranza District Chief Executive (DCE) told the people.

He urged NPP youth to comport themselves and be able to tolerate their political opponents.