The Convention People’s Party (CPP) has said it welcomes Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom’s resignation from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.

The General Secretary of the CPP, Professor Nii Noi Dowuona told Joy News since the CPP is opposed to the NPP and will be campaigning against it in the 2008 elections, Dr. Nduom’s continued association with the ruling party would have been a draw back.

Dr. Nduom, the out-going Minister for Public Sector Reform is also the CPP’s Member of Parliament for Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem. He announced his decision to quit the government on Tuesday night to concentrate on rebuilding the CPP.

Prof. Dowuona said the decision is in the best interest of the MP and the party he represents.

“Even within the NPP those ministers of state who have presidential ambitions, for conflict of interest or one reason or the other have decided to relinquish their positions to enable them concentrate on their aspirations…if he decides to quit to concentrate in rebuilding the CPP…is welcome news.”

He said that would not affect the CPP’s chances of retaining the KEEA seat which was won with total support from the NPP in 2004.

Dr Nduom formally leaves office at the end of the month because he has to properly hand over to his successor.

Although Dr Nduom had been widely tipped to exit the NPP administration to pursue his own political ambitions, his departure is likely to impact on his main achievements as member of the government – the Millennium Development Authority.

Dr Nduom is credited with the securing of the 547 million dollars grant to enhance the country’s agricultural sector.

However, Mr Augustine Adongo, the Chief Executive of the Federations of Association of Exports and a board member of the Millennium Development Authority said Dr Nduom’s exit will not affect disbursements of the US grant.