One hundred and sixty-nine people claiming to be non-card bearing supporters of the opposition New Patriotic Party at Safo in the Kwabre East Constituency of Ashanti say they have defected to the ruling National Democratic Congress. The defectors, some of who claim to be founding members of the opposition NPP, say they never received any recognition nor reward for their association with the NPP. At a ceremony attended by Regional and Constituency executives of the NDC, the defectors pledged to work towards victory for the NDC in 2012 elections. Ashanti Regional NDC Executives are astonished at the news of the defection. The Kwabre East constituency is one of the strongholds of the NPP and the town, Safo, described as its heart. The leader of the defectors, Hayford Antwi, said their decision to defect to the NDC was informed by the lack of development in the area after 15 years of supporting the NPP. He said the town had been battling with poor road networks, with the only tarred road constructed by the First NDC administration under Jerry Rawlings in a very deplorable state. The town also lacks a place of convenience, forcing residents to use the bush. District Chief Executive, Adams Iddisah also elated by the news of the defection, promised to immediately construct a KVIP for the town. He was so elated when the number of the defectors was announced. "I’m very, very flabbergasted because looking at Safo, a heart of NPP and get this number. We’ve never had even 100 votes in this community before ..." he said. According to him, the ceremony marked a special day in his life, even more important than his own birthday. "That is why I see it to be a special day for me even more than my birthday because the people of Safo have realized that this is a very good government that can help them". Mr. Iddisah predicted the frontline of the opposition NPP will break ahead of the 2012 elections even in its Ashanti region stronghold. "I am telling you sincerely, come 2012, it is not going to be easy for them (NPP)… NPP is deteriorating, NPP is diminishing" he predicted. NDC Regional Youth Organizer, Kwaku Boaheng also welcoming the defectors called for their unflinching support for the party ahead of the 2012 elections. While describing the defection as important to the NDC, he said it will help the party win between 30 and 40 percent in the Ashanti region which he says will determine the winner of 2012 elections. "We are going to accept them and work with them, give them the maximum support because 2012 election is going to be a do-and-die affair and we are going to make sure that we get people who can die for the NDC". Story by: Ohemeng Tawiah, Nhyira Fm/Kumasi/Ghana