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After unleashing salvos at the 5th Ferdinand Ayim Memorial lectures, which sent the government Economic Team reeling, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has sprung another surprise. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Vice Presidential candidate, who was in Tamale over the weekend, stormed the popular Azorka base, the home of �Azorka Boys�, an NDC group, to interact with them. Though the leader and acting regional chairman of the NDC, Sofo Awudu Azorka, was not around at the time of Dr. Bawumia�s visit, his boys were in high spirits to see him and took turns to exchange pleasantries with him. The move, which was hailed by many observers, was aimed at wooing the group into supporting the bid of the NPP�s running mate and foster a cordial relationship between supporters of the NDC and NPP. Dr. Bawumia urged them to peacefully coexist with their brothers and sisters in opposing political parties, noting that it was the only way Ghana�s democracy could grow. The unannounced visit by Dr Bawumia makes it the first time an NPP personality has interacted with the group. Earlier at the Aboabo Market, market women complained about the escalating prices of various food items in the last three years, despite the much-touted attainment of single digit inflation over the same period. This, they observed, had led to poor sales, gradually grinding their businesses to a halt. They also appealed for a review in taxes. Dr. Bawumia urged them to remain resolute and support the NPP to victory as Nana Akufo-Addo and the NPP had credible plans that were meant to lessen their suffering and increase food production, especially in the north. Dr. Bawumia referred to his lecture a few days ago, during which he expressed his worry over the fall in agricultural growth and crop production, as well as the astronomical increases in various foodstuffs. He asked those governing to come to the ground to find out how hard life had become for the ordinary Ghanaian, instead of finding solace in propaganda which had absolutely no bearing on the lives of the people. According to Dr. Bawumia, he visited the popular Aboabo Central Market to interact with the market women on their concerns. Dr. Bawumia, who arrived in Tamale on Friday, held a series of private meetings with top NPP functionaries and supporters in Tamale including Roland Issifu Alhassan, running mate to Prof. Albert Adu-Boahen for the 1992 elections. He later proceeded to the Tamale Central Mosque for the Jummah Prayers. Addressing the worshippers at the mosque, Dr Bawumia stated that once he was in Tamale, he found it obligatory to visit the mosque to greet the Imams and elders as well as the entire Muslim community that worshipped at the mosque. He indicated that he was also at the mosque to thank the Muslim community in Tamale for the great support it had showed him since he was chosen as the NPP running mate. Dr. Bawumia asked the Muslim community to constantly remember him and the presidential candidate of the NPP, Nana Akufo-Addo, in its prayers. Special prayers were said for Dr. Bawumia and his team. Leading the prayers, the Imam asked for Allah�s guidance and blessings for Dr. Bawumia, and also asked him to fulfil their heart�s desire.