300 NPP Supporters in the Navrongo Central Constituency defects to NDC

Some staunch and card bearing members of the opposition New Patriotic Party ( NPP) in the Navrongo Central Constituency of the Upper East Region have officially declared their decision to defect to the ruling National Democratic Congress(NDC). The defectors numbering about 300 made their intention known when they called on the Upper East Regional Minister at his residence in Bolgatanga. The defectors led by  a former NPP Secretary for Nayagnia, Cornelius Oscar Kogana and Issah Bukari, Chairman of the Navrongo Lorry Station, explained that their decision to defect to the NDC was informed by the massive infrastructural development in the constituency and the region in general, which to them is unprecedented since the creation of the constituency. Explaining further, Mr. Kogana said they have been following the speedy development in the constituency and have come to the realization that more would be achieved if they join hands with the party to retain power come 2012. Mr. Kogana on behalf of his colleagues pledged to work towards victory for the party.  He hinted that there were hundreds of NDC supporters in the various communities within the constituency who had also decided to abandon the NPP and throw their weight behind the incumbent NDC in the upcoming elections. One of the defectors who used to be a card bearing member for the NPP, Osman Sandow recounted the tireless effort of the government in its quest to bring development in the country, particularly in deprived areas. He said the Navrongo Constituency over the period of two and a half years has witnessed massive infrastructural development in the area of road rehabilitation, construction of schools and provision of sheds for market and lorry stations. Additionally, school enrolment has increased tremendously in deprived areas of the constituency due to government’s intervention on the distribution of free school uniforms and exercise books among others. He described the move by government as laudable since it has contributed in enhancing effective teaching and learning in schools. The group, he assured would work closely with their constituency executives and also respect the rules and ideals of the party. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo who was elated on the latest development welcomed the defectors and called for their unflinching support for the party ahead of the 2012 elections. While acknowledging the relevance of the defection, Mr. Woyongo was of the strong conviction that the NDC was poised to winning the Navrongo seat and encouraged the defectors to assist in ensuring that the NDC wins massively in the constituency. The defection, he said was an indication that the NDC was on its way to victory come 2012 and therefore urged them to work hard so as to entice more people into the party. Mr. Woyongo disclosed that tenders have been opened for the construction of roads networks in the area, notable among them are Katui-Kayoro road, Navrongo-Nawognia road as well as Mirigu-Nayagnia road ,which is ongoing. He said the NDC since assumption of power has changed the landscape of the constituency, stating that more projects would be rolled out for the region in the coming years.