CONVENTION PEOPLES PARTY (GHANA) NEWS FILE

Former Governor To Lead CPP

Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, former governor of the Bank of Ghana appears to be readying himself to become the presidential candidate of the Convention People's Party (CPP) in the 2008 elections.

Party sources say that he has won the support of key old guards and activists and support groups are springing up across the country. Dr. Duffuor is currently the Chairman of the Star Assurance Company and has significant interests in other businesses including the Heritage newspaper'. He is expected to battle with other party stalwarts who have declared interest in becoming the presidential candidate of the CPP.

These stalwarts include Mr. George Aggudey, presidential candidate of the party in the 2004 elections and Dr. Kwesi Nduom, a minister in the Kufuor administration. Insiders say that Mr. Aggudey is likely to give Dr. Duffuor a tough challenge. Mr. Aggudey has also set up a network of campaigners across the country and said to be financially well endowed.

Given the apparent loss of confidence in the Kufuor administration, Dr. Nduom will have a difficult time convincing delegates at the CPP congress to vote for him. His only salvation may lie in jumping off the sinking ship early enough. Dr. Duffuor has been active in the CPP since the 2000 elections when he helped mobilize resources for the party's campaign. He is known to have sponsored several parliamentary candidates of the party in the 2004 elections. He is currently a member of the finance committee of the party and has become a recognizable CPP face.

Source: GHP