Former Minister of Health in the Kufuor Administration, Major Courage Quashigah (Rtd), says he is encouraged by calls to contest the New Patriotic Party’s presidential candidacy. He told Asempa FM on Monday that though he believes he has served the NPP well, he was surprised at the number of people rooting for him to challenge for the post and contest the highest office of the land. He was also touched by the level of debate the issue has also generated. Quashigah said he was still consulting on the matter but after careful consideration from his teeming admirers, he believes he would be successful. A youth group last week issued a press statement prophesying of God’s desire for him to become Ghana’s next president. Major Quashigah (Rtd) who is also a former Food and Agriculture Minister said even though he expects some of those who contested for NPP’s 2007 presidential slot to make a come-back, he stands a good chance to win on the basis of his contribution to the party. Against suggestions that the NPP may be inclined to vote for an Akan to lead the party, he contended that his being an Ewe should not be an obstacle provided that the process of selection is made fair and thorough. The New Patriotic Party at its emergency national delegate’s conference at the weekend resolved through the amendment of its constitution to reduce the number of presidential aspirants to five. Story by Kwadwo Asare-Baffour Acheampong Asempa FM