NPP Campaign Strategy Unfolding

UNCLAS ACCRA 000324

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL SNAR GH
SUBJECT: NPP Campaign Strategy Unfolding

REF: 07 Accra 2599


1. SUMMARY. In a February 26 meeting with Poloff and visiting Ghana
Desk Officer Dana Banks, New Patriotic Party (NPP) General Secretary
Nana Ohene Ntow outlined the party's campaign strategy of focusing
on the government's record of accomplishments, managing
communication issues, and targeting women and youth. Ntow said the
party faces fundraising and public relations challenges, and has
some concerns over Election Day security. Returning from a recent
trip as a participant in an International Visitor (IV) program on
the U.S. political primary process, Ntow said he favors expanding
voter participation in future NPP primaries and requested additional
U.S. support for training party staff. END SUMMARY

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NPP Campaign Emphasizes Government's Accomplishments
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2. General Secretary Ntow indicated the current NPP focus is on
delivering its campaign message - "NPP has the record and the
vision" - to the people. Ntow believes focusing on the government's
record of accomplishments over the past eight years, highlighting
progress in education, infrastructure development, social policies,
and economic growth, as well as the party's vision for spreading the
benefits of growth across the population, will propel NPP to
victory. The NPP campaign strategy is focused on outreach to women
and youth, and on developing a strong communications plan. As part
of the party's demonstration of unity, the NPP will also establish
campaign working committees, which will be chaired by the 16 former
presidential aspirants. Ntow expressed comfort with the progress of
party unification following the contentious December 2007 Congress
(reftel),stating unity and collaboration exists among the former
presidential hopefuls. He admitted additional work was needed to
transfer the same degree of cohesion to local levels of NPP
supporters.

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NPP Faces Financial, Security and PR Challenges
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3. Relations between the NPP and the chief opposition party
National Democratic Congress (NDC) remain contentious. Ntow views
combating the NDC's "campaign of lies" as the NPP's primary
challenge in the coming months. According to Ntow, if the public
debate remains centered on substantive issues and government
performance, the NPP will be a clear winner in December. The NPP
also cites challenges in raising sufficient campaign funds, and Ntow
indicated that the party plans to engage former presidential
aspirants in fundraising. Ntow noted that Election Day security
represents another area of concern, claiming NPP supporters face
frequent intimidation, particularly outside the main urban areas.
He expressed hope that the military would play a stronger role
during the elections, stating police do not command the popular
respect necessary to quell intimidation and violence.

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Ntow Supports Expansion of Future Primaries
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4. Ntow said he plans to propose the NPP expand participation in
future presidential primaries to all registered party members.
Based on his experience with the December 2007 International
Visitors Program on the U.S. electoral process, Ntow said he
believes transforming political primaries into "national elections"
would ensure the party flag bearer carries broader public support
and would reduce the campaign's financial burden. [NOTE: Party
delegates from each district currently elect the NPP flag bearer. A
previous proposal to expand voter participation in primaries was not
adopted by NPP leadership. END NOTE]


5. Ntow requested U.S. financial assistance for democracy building
and political party development, citing a specific need to train
party leaders and conduct outreach with members across the country.


6. COMMENT. Despite Ntow's claims of internal NPP cohesion
following the bitter party convention, it appears that substantial
divisions continue to fester within the NPP. Some observers view the
assignment of former presidential aspirants to election committee
chairmanship as simply a public relations strategy, and significant
divisions remain among the former candidates. There have been press
rumors that Alan Kyerematen, who was President Kufour's candidate
and the second-place finisher in the primary, may launch an
independent bid for president, and indications that supporters of
NPP flagbearer Nana Akufo Addo are targeting four parliamentary
seats currently held by Kyerematen supporters. END COMMENT

BRIDGEWATER