the Ashanti regional capital.

Nana Akufo-Addo, accompanied by some of his challengers in the party’s presidential race, was visiting the region ostensibly to officially announce to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene and Asanteman that he would be contesting the presidency on the ticket of the NPP come December this year.

The Ashanti regional executives of the party, led by its Chairman, Yaw Amankwa and Hon. Emmanuel A. Owusu-Ansah, Regional Minister, led hundreds of NPP faithful in the region who were clad in the party’s colours to meet Nana and his team at the Dadieso outskirts of the region, amidst fanfare.

In a convoy of cars, Nana Addo was driven through some principal streets of the regional capital to the admiration of joyous and enthusiastic NPP followers who had lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the former Foreign Affairs Minister.

Nana Addo, who was in a black Nissan Patrol car could not help but stand in the car to respond to cheers from the excited crowd.

His convoy, which caused massive vehicular traffic, passed through Konongo, Ejisu, Tech Junction, Oforikrom, Airport Roundabout and finally landed at the Manhyia Palace, the official seat of the Asantehene where a grand durbar of chiefs of Kumasi Traditional Council, chaired by Otumfuo, was held in his honour.

Addressing the durbar, the NPP presidential candidate boldly stressed that victory for NPP in the 2008 elections was a forgone conclusion so far as he was concerned.

“God willing, by the time I come to you again next year, I will be the President of Ghana,” Nana Addo told Otumfuo, amidst rapturous cheers from the excited crowd.

Considering the good works of President John Agyekum Kufuor so far, he stated that the NPP would surely retain political power this year without sweat to carry on the President’s good works.

Still praising President Kufuor, Nana Addo remarked that Ghana had seen significant improvements in every aspect of the economy during the past seven years, contending that he was the right person to continue with the good works of the NPP government.

“I am aware of the cries of the masses and I am convinced I wield the needed experience and expertise to solve them within the shortest possible time,” an elated Nana Addo assured.

He entreated members of the elephant family across the country to shun acts that could disturb the peace of the party, and urged them to stay united at all times to ensure total victory for the party.

He appealed to Otumfuo not to hesitate to caution him and for that matter the entire NPP family whenever they erred, noting that he appreciated the good counsel the Otumfuo had been offering him throughout the years.

The flagbearer, who together with Otumfuo belong to the ‘Oyoko’ clan, requested for the Asantehene’s blessings in his quest to become president of the land.

“I am here for your blessings since you are the head of the ‘Oyoko’ clan; so kindly bless me before I start my campaign for the presidency”.

He as well called for God’s blessings, good health, a tolerant heart and love for all as he plans to lead the country to the ‘promised land’.

In his remarks, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II said despite the good works of President Kufuor, poverty and hardships still abound, and charged Nana Addo to find lasting solutions to them when he becomes president.

He deplored high prices of commodities such as cement, non availability of schools, hospitals, lack of assistance for the private sector and the fast dwindling fortunes of the agricultural sector, and urged Nana Addo and his colleague politicians to find lasting solutions to them.

Otumfuo reminded politicians that their sole duty was to develop the country and bring the smiles back on the faces of the people; hence as politicians, they should focus on that area and stop chasing personal gains.

Touching on the NPP, the Asantehene commended the party for staying united after its national delegates’ congress and urged members to sustain it to ensure victory in the elections.

He sternly cautioned Nana Addo to shun complacency and rather work hand-in-hand with every member of the party, especially the losing presidential aspirants to carry the party forward.

The Asantehene told the NPP leader that the upcoming election would be very difficult so he should not campaign based on the achievements of President Kufuor, but rather his campaign should be based on his personal vision for the country and its people.

Among the losing NPP presidential aspirants who accompanied Nana Addo were Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku, Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, Dr Arthur Kobina Kennedy, Dr. Kwame Addo-Kufuor, Kwabena Agyepong and Jake Obestebi-Lamptey.

Also in the presidential aspirant's entourage was National Chairman, Peter Mac Manu.