Accra, Dec. 27, GNA - The Greater Accra Regional Youth Organiser of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Thomas Ashong was retained at a Regional conference of the party in Accra, on Sunday. Ms Vivian Ankrah also retained her position as Regional Women's Organiser. Mr. Ashong was returned unopposed, while Ms Ankrah defeated Mrs. Mercy Nketiah Akroma by 33 votes to 16. Hajia Habib Osumanu was elected First Deputy Youth Organiser while the Second Deputy Youth Organiser post went to Alhaji Manaf Walker, in the election that was supervised by Mr. Owusu Ansah, District Electoral Officer of the Electoral Commission.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency after the elections, Mr. Ashong said he had retained the position for the third time as a result of his dedication, hard work and transparency. He promised to unite and motivate the youth as the foot soldiers of the party to work hard to ensure a resounding victory for the NDC in the 2012 general election. The Regional Youth Organiser also expressed commitment to increase the party's parliamentary seats in the region from 18 to 24.

Mr. Ashong attributed his success to the involvement of women in the activities of the Youth Wing of the NDC and noted that for the first time in the annals of the Party, a woman is now a Deputy Regional Youth Organiser. He said he would liaise with the co-ordinators of the National Youth Employment Programme to ensure jobs for members of the wing.

Present at the conference were Members of Parliament from the region including Mr. Amasa Namoale, Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, Mr. Fritz Baffour, Ablekuma South, Mr. Jonathan Nii Tackie Komme, Odododiodio and Major Ahmed Mustapha, Ayawaso East. Also present at the conference were National and Regional executives of the party.