Remain resolute, unite in defeat — Akufo-Addo

THE opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Saturday held a thanksgiving service to offer gratitude to God for seeing it through the December 2008 general election. Hundreds of supporters, clad in the party's paraphernalia, thronged the Trade Fair Centre in Accra to participate in the service; they were highly in jubilant mood, making one to hardly accept the fact that their party had recently lost the general election.
Former Ministers of State, Members of Parliament and party big wigs attended the ceremony.
The Presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2008 elections, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, called on all party faithful and supporters to still remain resolute and united in defeat.
He said, “This is the best opportunity for all party supporters to come together and demonstrate their commitment to the leadership and the philosophy of the party.”
Expressing his appreciation to the supporters of the party for their massive support during the 2008 elections at a non-denominational thanksgiving service, Nana Akufo-Addo thanked Ghanaians for their vote and support in the 2008 presidential and parliamentary elections.
The party lost to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in a keenly contested election.
He said the party still had a massive support base across the country and was optimistic that the party would win the 2012 elections, saying that “we shall be back in 2012”.
The former President, Mr J.A. Kufuor said the opportunity to be in opposition offered the party and the leadership a chance to reflect on the past activities of the party and fashion a new way forward.
He added that Ghanaians would also have the opportunity to compare the eight years administration of the NPP and that of the NDC and decide which party should be given the opportunity to govern the country again.
“We have set the best examples ever as to what good governance was and have also provided the needed infrastructure on which to build a strong economy,” he said. With this, the former President hoped that Ghanaians would have the chance once again, come 2012, to give the mantle of leadership of the country to the NPP.
In his sermon, Rev. Father Prof. Appiah Poku told the congregants that “what has happened was the best for the country. I want to encourage all party supporters not to fold their arms and be staring at the heavens, because you are defeated”.
Quoting the words of the prophet Isaiah, Rev. Appiah Poku encouraged members of the party not to be troubled in their hearts, adding “what God will give you is in the future, your time will come and God will crown your efforts”.
When the National Chairman of the party, Mr Peter Mac Manu, took his turn, he challenged those who thought the party was in disarray to revise their notes, adding “the spirit of the party is still alive”.
To the party supporters, the chairman said, “This is not the time for us to play the blame game, let’s forge ahead in unity and we will be back again.”
He emphasised that the best any party member could do in times like this would be to stand firm with the party as they await the next elections in 2012.
The leadership of the party had a hectic task controlling the numerous supporters who thronged the Trade Fair Centre in their party colours to catch a glimpse of Nana Akufo-Addo and the former President Mr J.A Kufuor.
Some of the supporters carried placards with the inscriptions, “No congress for Nana”, Nana All The Way”, “Oh Nana, Ghana Needs You”.
Prayers were offered to thank God for the peaceful elections, for the party and also for the leadership of the party.