Dr. Obed Yao Asamoah�s decision to return to the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) has in no doubt elated many including the National Organiser of the party, Yaw Boateng Gyan, who says he had constantly prayed for such a day.
He told Joy News roles played by Dr Obed Asamoah, whom he described as an astute politician, have contributed significantly to the party�s current position, and indicated that the NDC is ready to �welcome him wholeheartedly�.
Dr Obed Asamoah joined forces with some party stalwarts like Frances Asiam, Bede Zieden and other disenchanted members to break away from the NDC in 2006 after its congress in Koforidua in 2005 which witnessed some violence and intimidation.
He then formed the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) and contested the 2008 general elections both at the presidential and parliamentary level, but failed to make any impact.
However with the NDC�s successful and incident-free congress at Sunayni over the weekend, Dr Obed Asamoah who is the founder and chairman of the DFP is set to return to the NDC.�I left the NDC because I was not satisfied with regard to their commitment to internal party democracy. Now that there is an improvement along those lines, it is natural that I would accept an invitation to rejoin the fold,� he told Joy News.
He noted that the NDC has gone through a �dramatic change�, which might probably be the driving force wooing him back. He indicated that the Rawlingses should count their blessings for not being put under the kind of suffering he and his colleagues endured during the Koforidua congress.
He noted that the NDC has been making overtures to him, citing instances where Kofi Adams, NDC�s deputy general secretary, went to him and invited him and his followers to rejoin the party. He prayed the rest of the party "will welcome the idea of our coming back to NDC.�
Asked how soon the return should be expected, he stated: �when negotiations are complete, which I believe should be very soon, then of course the result would be announced, and if there is any need for a particular agreement to be signed, then we will arrange for that.�
Dr Obed Asamoah noted that the DFP is for now not making any demands for their return.Nevertheless, Mr Yaw Boateng Gyan told Joy News on Monday that Dr Asamoah�s decision would be a big boost to the NDC. �It is a very good news and warming to us. I have always been praying for that day that Obed would decide to come back to a family he has helped to build, because I see him as an astute politician.�
He recounted how the DFP had suffered to stand as a party, and counseled persons with intention to leave the party to think twice.
�Breaking away will not solve the problem, but if you think you have something that you want to raise, bring [them up] internally, bring those things up. And if there are any reforms that you want to pursue, bring them up, fight and you will get some people to join you.�
He also rejected suggestions that the return is linked to the perceived decline in the Rawlingses� hold on the party. However, Mr Boateng Gyan said the intent would vindicate President Mills as a unifier, contrary to the accusations that people are leaving the party because of him.
He could not readily tell what role Dr Obed Asamoah would play in the party but said with his experience, �I strongly believe that his advice alone will do some tricks for us�.
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