Bolgatanga — THE NATIONAL Campaign Director of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku has described the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as a big threat to the fortunes of the NPP and the country's economy.

He noted that NDC mismanaged the economy when it was in power, a situation that compelled the NPP government to join the Highly Indebted and Poor Country (HIPC) bracket in 2001. Dr. Apraku contended that the NPP had demonstrated beyond all doubts that it was the best manager of the country's economy, adding- "when we talk about the ability to manage the economy of this country, NDC has no chance".

Speaking at the Upper East Regional launch of the campaign team, he said with the current hikes in crude oil and food prices on the global market, the NDC could not have managed the situation, and this would have forced most Ghanaians to starve on the streets. Dr. Apraku said what Ghanaians wanted was democracy and a government that would allow them to speak their minds. He said the NPP will deliver prosperity in freedom. It would also create a united and respectable society for all.

He said Ghana had gained international respect under the NPP government. The National Campaign Director enumerated some of the beneficial policies under the NPP regime, like the National Health Insurance Scheme which he said over 9 million Ghanaians were now benefiting from. Dr. Apraku said the best thing to give to the next generation was education, hence the introduction of the capitation grant and school feeding programme, which were aimed at enrolling more children of school-going age.

He said there was no alternative government to the NPP. He, however, admonished members and supporters of the party to do their homework well so that the party could diffuse the threats being posed by the NDC. According to him, his responsibility as the National Campaign Director was to ensure that the party won more seats to have a commanding lead in the next parliament.

He appealed to the polling station chairmen at Navrongo to put their differences behind them and rally behind Kofi Adda to enable him retain the seat. Dr. Apraku also called on the people of Bawku to lay down their arms and channel their resources into educating their children for a better Ghana.

Mohamed Issahaku Ahmed, the regional chairman of the NPP, said the party was solid in the region and could win at least 5 seats out of the 13. But he cautioned members that this would be achieved only with unity. Mr. Ahmed urged supporters of the various NPP Presidential contenders in the last December elections, to put their differences behind them and support Nana Addo to win the election.

Mr. Alhassan Samari, the Upper East Regional minister told supporters that the opposition was not an option for the party, hence whatever it would do to win this year's election, must be done. "It is better to be in opposition in your own party than to be in opposition in an opposition party", he said. Mr. Samari warned supporters not to be complacent, but iron out their differences and work hard to ensure victory.

The regional campaign team comprised of 15 members with the regional party chairman, Mr. Ahmed as its chairman and Mr. Samari as his assistant. Others include; Mrs. Chigabatia, Deputy Regional Minister, Mr. Rockson Bukari, former Bolgatanga MCE, Cannel George Minyila, a party elder, Mercy Musa, parliamentary candidate for Bolgatanga constituency and other executive members of the party.