Kumasi, Nov.5, GNA - Delegates at the Ashanti Regional NPP congress on Saturday, elected Mr Robert Owusu Amankwaa, a business executive as the new regional chairman of the party. He polled 175 votes to beat his only challenger, Mr George Ayisi Boateng, who had 47 votes.

Mr. Fredrick Fredua Antoh, the incumbent who was conspicuously missing at the congress had earlier withdrawn his candidature. Mr Sam Cudjoe, the incumbent regional secretary was retained unopposed following the withdrawal of Mr Kwaku Agyeman Kwarteng to contest for the position. Nana Osei Asibey Antwi the incumbent first vice chairman retained his position when he polled 193 votes to beat Mr Kwaku Owusu Ansah, who had 28 votes. The post of the second vice chairman went to Dr Kwame Osefredu Asubonteng who had 132 votes to beat Nana Wiafe Ababio and Ohene Bobie Ansah the incumbent, who had 46 and 44 votes respectively.

Alhaji Ben Abdalla retained his position as the regional organizer when he polled 132 votes as against 90 votes received by Mr Kwabena Agyei, his main challenger. Madam Mary Brobbey polled 163 votes to beat the incumbent women's organizer, Madam Georgina Osei Tutu, who had 59 votes, while Mr Patrick Atiemo was retained unopposed as the regional treasurer. Mr Kennedy Kwasi Kankam, the incumbent youth organizer polled 146 votes to retain his position. He beat Mr Alfred Owusu, Mr J.A Fiifi Eshun and Nana Agyenim Boateng who had 5, 61 and 10 votes respectively.

Mr Amankwa, the new chairman on behalf of the winners thanked the delegates for the confidence reposed in them. He pledged to unite all the members in the region to ensure victory for the party in the 2008 elections. Among the dignitaries present were Mr Haruna Esseku, national Chairman, Dr Kwame Addo Kufuor, Minister of Defence, Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Lord Comey National Organiser and Mr. Stephen Ntim, First National Vice Chairman.