Politics of Wednesday, 31 August 2005

Source: Ghanaian Chronicle

NDC's 'Village Chairman' Bounces Back

MR. KOFI Mintah, former Central Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who was accused of flirting with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, has filed his nomination to contest for the party's regional Chairman slot.

In an interview with The Chronicle last week, Mr Mintah said he decided to contest the post after carefully realizing the interest of the people in his return.

The former regional chairman said during his tenure of office, the party enjoyed goodwill from the people in the region, so he was very confident that the party could enjoy same when elected as the chairman.

Popularly called the "Village Chairman," it is on record that Mr Mintah acquainted nicely with all he came across during his 10 years in office from 1992 to 2002.

He said he was very disappointed at what supporters of the NDC were saying about him to the effect that he was in the camp of the NPP, contrary to his love for the party.

He told the paper that he had remained silent for some time but now thought that bouncing back would be appropriate to disabuse people's minds.

Mr. Mintah contended that, looking at his rich experience in politics, which dated back to Nkrumah's time, he had the necessary skill to organize the people.

The Winneba-based NDC kingpin said though he did not possess enough financial resources to undertake the campaign, his ability to relate to anybody he came across, would sail him through.

Information gathered by this paper indicates that the former MP for Agona East, Mr Samuel Adu Yeboah, has expressed interest in the chairmanship, though he had not filed his nomination.

Adu Yeboah once served as a secretary during the reign of Mr Mintah.Dr. Don Arthur, former PNDC secretary for the Central and Western Regions, has also shown interest in the regional top post.In addition, Alex Asamoah, the Western Regional Chairman of the party, has also indicated his interest in the position.But rumours doing grounds in the region indicate that they will resist Asamoah's nominations, since he had served in the western region.