... after Delegates Conference
A NUMBER of NPP activists in the Central Region have expressed optimism that the party would come out stronger after tomorrow?s Delegates Conference, and be able to put in place pragmatic programmes and policies to deal with the negative propaganda being waged against it by the political opposition.

They, however, believe that this would only be a reality if the delegates to the conference place the party interest first and elect people who are tried and tested and possess the requisite political acumen and commitment to deliver the goods.

A couple of party activists who spoke in separate interviews with The Statesman about tomorrow?s conference, therefore, cautioned the delegates against the mistake of electing party officers who would turn out to become liabilities to the party, reminding them of the enormity and crucial importance of the 2008 elections to the party?s future and the urgent need to get ?real political thinkers and strategists? to lead the party.

?I expect that the delegates will assess the competence of the candidates in terms of their track records, their experience, commitment and the plans they have to deal with the present ?crisis? facing the party, and not to be influenced by any other unorthodox considerations,? Ejaku Donkoh, a leading youth activist at Saltpond, stated. What the NPP needs now, according to Mr Donkoh, are ?dedicated, visionary, strategic and daring leaders who possess what it takes to inject new blood and a new sense of purpose for the party?s organisation; to rekindle the dying spirit of our activists, and not leaders who would prove to be dull and will be lacking ideas.?

To Iddrisu Karim, President of the University of Cape Coast branch of Tertiary Education Students Confederacy of the party, the fate of the NPP, especially how it will fare in the 2008 elections, will be largely determined by the zeal with which its youth activists carry out their activities. ?I therefore, expect the delegates to consider the position of the Youth Organiser as very crucial and elect a person who would be able to inspire the youth and move them into action.?

According to Mr Karim, the NPP now appears dormant because the youth wing ?is almost dead, the youth who form the foot-soldiers have been left uncared for as if they have no leader.? Assessing the calibre of the candidates seeking the various offices in the party, the party activists were optimistic that the future looked good for the party. ?I see almost all the candidates as people who are determined to change the face of the party, and work hard to position the party on a solid ground to face the crucial 2008 general elections. There is, indeed, a ray of hope after the conference,? Kobina Sakyi, another activist noted.

?I expect that after the Saturday Conference, the party will get competent leaders who would bring the rank and file on board to collectively seek effective ways to deal with all the internal problems facing the party and put in place effective programmes to strengthen the structures at all levels of the party,? Mr Sakyi added.