Accra, July 9, GNA - Activists of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Fanteakwa Constituency have petitioned Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, the National Organiser, to contest the Party's primaries, saying he is capable of winning the seat in December. The petition signed by Mr Foster Owusu, the Constituency Secretary, said it was now clear to the electorate that Mr Ofosu-Ampofo lost the 2004 elections in the Constituency mainly because the parliamentary poll was rigged.

"It is an undeniable fact that a lot of election malpractices occurred in the Constituency as party agents were chased out of a number of polling stations."

The petition said about 1,000 loyal youth supporters who had high hopes of Mr Ofosu-Ampofo's victory, had renewed their dedication to the NDC to ensure his victory, come December 7, 2008. It said as a show of their loyalty and commitment, the youth had pledged to contribute GHc1.00 each to pay for Mr Ofosu-Ampofo's nomination fee totalling GH¢1,000. "We believe the involvement of the former Member of Parliament in the elections will garner the needed votes to enable the party win both the parliamentary and presidential elections in the Constituency," the petition said. It warned that the youth, as well as a large chunk of the Party's support base, might boycott the polls if Mr Ofosu-Ampofo did not contest.

The petition drummed-up Mr Ofosu-Ampofo's track record in the Constituency saying it was through his efforts that 12 communities got hooked to the national grid and that his era saw several road networks, including the Osiem-Begoro road in the Eastern Region. "His good human relations, effective communication and respect for others have endeared him to a number of voters in the Constituency," it held. Mr Ofosu-Ampofo has reportedly received a similar request from the Tema West Constituency, where he resides. 9 July 08