Supporters of the ruling NDC in the Ashanti region have welcomed the dissolution of Friends of Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings (FONKAR), linked with the former First Lady. The leadership of FONKAR which was formed to support Mrs. Rawlings’ NDC flaberearship bid against President Mills, announced its de-activation in Kumasi. Party sympathizers say the move is a further step to uniting the party and repairing the sour relationship between founder Jerry Rawlings and President Mills. There were emergence of fragmented groups like FONKAR, GAME, and OLONKAR within the NDC ahead of last year’s congress in Sunyani. The development was characterized by fierce verbal and, in some cases, physical assault. Political pundits saw the development as recipe for disunity and disaffection in the party in the run up to the December elections. At an emergency meeting in the Central Region recently, FONKAR executives gave hints of dissolving the group. Party faithfuls say the existence of off-shoot groups was a threat to well-being of thy NDC, going into the polls. “If what they are telling us is true and they really mean their words, it will go a long way to help and strengthen the party for 2012. If they will all unite and join us, then victory for NDC is forgone conclusion,” a supporter said. Some supporters believe the decision to disband FONKAR is a good omen to repair the strained relationship between President Mills and the former First couple. “Unity starts at a point, and this is the beginning of unity in our party especially between President Mills and the Rawlingses”, said one supporter. “I am very, very happy to hear this. Absolutely it will have an impact on us, once they’ve come out like this, I will appeal to elders of our party to start a reconciliation move to unite them”. Meanwhile, Regional Coordinator of FONKAR, Emmanuel Kankam, tells Nhyira News disbanding the group will dispel perception its members are anti-NDC.