Shiaga-Tindongo (U/E), May 26, GNA - Twenty-two supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the People's National Convention (PNC) in the Talensi Constituency of the Upper East Region have defected to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The group led by the NPP Youth Leader for the area, Mr Zakyeni Yinbaa, said it was a mistake that they voted the Party into power during the last general election, adding "it is now clear to us that the NPP has no leadership direction in the constituency.

"If you made a mistake for the first time, you should not repeat it", Mr Yinbaa said in a statement declaring their intention to support the NDC Member of Parliament for Talensi (MP), Mr John Tia to win the upcoming parliamentary election.

They pledged their highest support to the sitting MP and asked him to accept them wholeheartedly, as they would work with him day and night to ensure victory for the NDC.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency on Tuesday, the NDC Constituency Chairman, Mr Patrick Kung said the decision of the group was refreshing and would thus boost the chances of his Party in the next elections.

Mr Kuug urged the converts to come into the NDC with open minds and to help in rebuilding it as an effective alternative to the NPP Government come December when Ghanaians go to the polls.

He dispelled rumours and statements going round that it was time for the incumbent MP to step down and give way to another person, saying the 1992 Constituency did not fix a period of tenure for sitting MPs. The Constituency Chairman commended Mr Tia for his hard work and high commitment to the development of the area, saying they would support him for the NDC to win massively.

The Constituency Secretary, Mr Edward Aduko, said Mr Tia's hard work and enviable commitment to transparency had endeared him to the people. He said because of this the electorate still had confidence in him and would support his bid for re-election under the umbrella.