Kumasi, Feb. 27, GNA - Mr Peter Mac Manu, Out-going National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is upbeat about the Party's chances of winning back political power in 2012 as delegates from the 230 constituencies gather to elect new National Executives. All that the in-coming leadership would need to do, he said; "is to stay in close touch with the grassroots and to strengthen the Party's internal structures".

About 4,500 delegates have converged at the VIP Wing of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium to pick people, who would be leading the NPP for the next four years.

"Reflect, Re-build and Re-capture" is the theme for the day's congress. There are 32 candidates vying for various positions including the National Chairman; First Vice-Chairman; General Secretary: National Organizer; Women's Organizer; Treasurer and Nasara Co-ordinator. Mr Jake Obetsebey-Lamptey; Mr Stephen Ntim; Mr Felix Owusu Agyepong; Mr Sammy Crabbe and Dr Charles Wereko-Brobby are contesting for the chairmanship.

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor would address the congress. Mr Mac-Manu told the Ghana News Agency on the sidelines that he would give to his successor every necessary support to ensure unity and harmony in the Party ahead of Election 2012.

On the choice of theme, he said, it was most appropriate, given the poor performance of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC). "Most Ghanaians are disappointed in the NDC as within this short period of its rule, they have been burdened with surging fuel prices and taxes, unemployment and intimidation of perceived opponents." He appealed to the party activists to bury their differences and forge ahead in unity to recapture power and help to restore confidence in the people.

There is tight security at the congress venue. There are 300 police officers and Fire Service personnel on duty at the Stadium. Some soldiers are also on the stand-by. 27 Feb 10