Regional News of Tuesday, 30 December 2003

Source: GNA

PNC picks new executive for Navrongo Central

Navrongo (UE), Dec. 30, GNA - A leading member of the People's National Convention (PNC) said the party was determined to unseat the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the forthcoming parliamentary election in the Navrongo Central Constituency.

The General Secretary of the PNC, Mr Scott Pwamang, said Ghanaians had not seen any practical change in their lives since the NPP assumed office three years ago, contrary to its promise of turning the people's frustration and poverty into prosperity and happiness.

He was speaking at a conference to elect executive members of the Navrongo Central Constituency of the party to steer its affairs for the next four years.

Mr Pwamang said after trying the National Democratic Congress (NDC) without hope for the future, "and with the NPP compounding our problems with unfulfilled promises," Ghanaians have now made up their minds to go in for the PNC in the forthcoming elections.

He said: " after losing so much hope and confidence in the NPP, Ghanaians are willing and ready to test the pulse of the PNC in governing this country. Once the NDC failed us, and the NPP followed suit, it is conclusive that Ghanaians want a government of honest people to take them out of the hardships they presently face, to a more satisfactory standard of living".

The conference retained the constituency Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Adateke, and elected Mr Yakubu Bogobire, as Vice Chairman while Mr Jonathan Abura was elected Secretary and Mr Augustine Akanlu, as Treasurer.

Mrs Georgina Ayiwah was elected Women's Organiser, Mr Cosmos Womotega, Youth Organiser, Mr Addi Ayaga, Education Secretary and Mr Augustine Aloah, Assistant Secretary.

The General Secretary urged the new executives to mount a vigorous campaign with commitment, dedication to duty, and hard work to win more supporters for the party.

He however cautioned that their campaign messages should be devoid of attack on individual personalities and harsh language that could incite people to resort to violence.

The acting Regional Chairman of the party, Mr Mathias Atugba, bemoaned what he referred to as negative media reportage about the PNC, and said as the fourth estate of the realm had the responsibility to promote the country's young democracy and were therefore, obliged to report fairly on activities of all political parties.

A representative of the NDC, Mr Stephen Akopua, in a goodwill message said the invitation extended to his party to observe the election was a demonstration of the determination of political parties to strengthen the country's democracy, and appealed to the new executives to strategise their campaign messages so as to avoid confrontation and rancour.