Akufo-Addo welcomes Alan competition

The New Patriotic Party presidential candidate for 2008 elections, Nana Akufo-Addo says his contest for the flag-bearership of the party for elections 2012 will not create any problems for the party. Political analysts have suggested the bitter contest between him and Mr Alan Kyerematen for NPP flag-bearer in December 2007 contributed to the party�s defeat at the 2008 elections. The various groups belonging to the two leaders are said to have had irreconcilable differences and never closed their ranks. The resultant cracks thereof cost the party the elections as it lacked the needed unity and cohesion to make a concerted effort during the campaigns. Mr Kyerematen prior to the elections even resigned from the NPP citing intimidation of his supporters by supposed supporters of Nana Akufo-Addo. He however rescinded his decision and rejoined the party but only after interventions by the elders of the party. The relationship between Nana Addo, and Alan his closest contender at the last 2007 flag-bearership race, was said to be frosty and has the tendency to cause the disintegration of the party should the two of them contest the presidential candidacy of the party again. But Nana Addo refutes the suggestion, arguing that competition has always made the NPP better and cannot be the reason why a competition between him and Alan should divide the party. The consummate politician made this assertion in interview with Joy News during the annual Ferdinand Ayim Memorial lectures on Wednesday.