Defeated Aspirants Want An All-Inclusive Govt

By Edmund Mingle
Tuesday, 16 December 2008

The vanquished presidential candidates have resolved to push for an all inclusive government irrespective of which of the two parties for the December 28, run-off wins the presidency.
At a meeting at the Coconut Grove Regency Hotel in Accra called at the instance of the flag-bearer of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, they agreed on a common resolution to be presented to the incoming presidency to ensure an all inclusive government.
That, according to the candidates, was important because of the need for the next government to engage the expertise of all for rapid national development irrespective of their political affiliation.
Those at the meeting were Dr. Nduom, who had the opportunity to serve in the outgoing administration of the NPP, Emmanuel Ansah-Antwi of the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP), Kwabena Adjei of the Reformed Patriotic Democrats (RPD), Thomas Ward-Brew of the Democratic People’s Party (DPP), Kwesi Amoafo-Yeboah, an Independent candidate and Rev. Samuel Ofori Ampofo, flag- bearer of the Ghana National Party (GNP) which did not contest the poll.
Dr. Edward Mahama, flag-bearer of the People’s National Convention (PNC) was absent for unexplained reasons although he was invited.
They did not state what criteria the incoming government should use in engaging brains across the political divide, but they were of the view that the government should, in the interest of the nation feel free to engage others in the governance of the country and to avoid victimisation.
Among other things, they also unanimously resolved to push for state funding of political parties, which they believe would enable the smaller parties to be able to compete with the bigger ones during elections.
They indicated that inadequate financing hindered them to effectively campaign which resulted in their poor performance at the poll.
State funding, they said could address some of the financial difficulties to enable them to perform better.
In addition, they thanked the media for the support but urged the state broadcaster, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation to do more in giving equal attention and coverage to all parties.
In last Sunday’s presidential poll, the CPP occupied a distant third spot with 108,967 votes representing 1.38 per cent while the PNC was planted on the fourth spot with 64,042 votes, representing 0.81 per cent.
The DFP was fifth with 24,302 votes, representing 0.31 per cent and Mr Kwesi Amoafo-Yeboah, the Independent candidate, occupied the sixth spot with 17,663 votes representing 0.22 per cent.
The DPP came seventh with 7,670 votes, representing 0.10 per cent and the RPD was last with 6,336 votes, representing 0.08 per cent.