Obuasi (Ash), Nov. 29, GNA - The Obuasi Constituency of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has elected a mechanical engineer of AngloGold Ashanti as its parliamentary candidate for 2008 elections. Mr John Alexander Ackon, 49, a product of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), was chosen by popular acclamation by some 200 delegates, at the election supervised by an official of the Electoral Commission.

Mr Ackon expressed high hopes that he would take over the seat after the December polls.

"We will not lose the elections and I pledge to give honour and dignity to the Obuasi parliamentary seat".

Mr Ackon, an indigene of Obuasi, assured the delegates that the honour done him would not be in vain and that he would provide the solution to the cries of the people for a better parliamentarian. "I have accepted the challenge because of the Obuasi youth", he said, adding, "I am in for the development of the area". Overwhelmed by the presence of an enthusiastic crowd, Mr Ackon held that the signs were all pointing to the fact that something good was coming to Obuasi as a result of his election.

He said his vision was to see a functional informal sector that would boost local economy in the constituency. Mr Daniel Ohene Agyekum, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NDC, called on NDC followers to keep the unity, love and understanding demonstrated at the congress alive. He charged them to work harder to win more people into the Party. "We cannot win hands down without working for it," he stressed. Mr Agyekum was hopeful that Mr Ackon would win the seat. "I know Ackon will deliver this seat to the NDC". Other speakers at the congress were Nana Osei Bonsu, National Vice Chairman and Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, Member of Parliament for Asawasi.