In Ghana, there are reports of a new political party in the offing led by Obed Asamoah, the former chairman of the main opposition National Democratic Congress. The new party, called the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP), is expected to present candidates in the next general elections. Asamoah said the intolerant posture and intransigent attitude of both the ruling New Patriotic Party and the main opposition National Democratic Congress are not helping the course of the country. He added that Ghanaians would prefer a viable alternative to both parties.
Speaking to English to Africa reporter Peter Clottey, Obed Asamoah said,” The need for this party is quite obvious. More particularly for those from the NDC, who are dissatisfied with the performance of the NDC, particularly in relations to the commitment to democratic principles…but apart from us there are other Ghanaians, who also feel the need for a third force. Because they begin to see that the way the NDC is going and the NPP is going, the two of them are heading for a collision. And there is a need for a party that would be able to more or less blunt the edges of conflict”.
Talking about the challenges the DFP might encounter, Asamoah said,” Luckily for us, we have the opportunity of developing over a period of three years… and I think by that time, we should be in a very strong position to offer competition to the NDC and the NPP”.
He added that his party would be strong enough to provide a balance of power in the country come the general elections in 2008.