The Central Region appears to be the battle ground for the two main political parties contesting this year’s elections. The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is in the region running a three-pronged campaign led by its flag-bearer, Prof. John Atta Mills. The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) is set to hit the region on Thursday, August 21, 2008. Ahead of the tour, the campaign chairman of the NPP, Mr. Jake Obetsebe-Lamptey told Joy News that the party was not bothered by the fact that the NDC had started its campaign in earnest in the region. He said the NPP was ready to campaign vigorously bearing in mind “people do not vote to say thank you.” According to him, regardless of the impressive record of the party, they were not going to be complacent because people vote for the future. That future he said the NPP presidential candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo will be articulating during the campaigns in the region. He said the NPP will show that it is best qualified to secure the future of Ghanaians because the presidential candidate of the party has the passion and the energy to move the nation forward. According to him, the party had helped alleviate poverty through the National Health Insurance Scheme which enables the poor to secure adequate health care. Such a laudable policy for him could not be implemented by the NDC to help the poor. Joy FM’s correspondent in the region, Richard Kojo Nyarko reports that the region is virtually painted with the party colours of the two parties. He said giant billboards and campaign posters are seen everywhere in the region. He spoke to some residents who say they expect the campaigns of the two parties to be centred on the economy and education. Story by Malik Abass Daabu