A thanksgiving service that was organised for the newly-elected presidential candidate of the NPP, Nana Addo Akufo-Addo, at the Ridge Church in Accra, ended up attracting virtually the entire seat of government including President John Agyekum Kuffour. The dignitaries were many, but at least contained "who is who" in the NPP government and party circles. In attendance were Chief of Staff and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Kwadwo Okyere Mpiani; Minister of National Security, Francis Poku; Minister of Defense, Albert Kan Dapaah; Minister of the Interior, Kwamena Bartels; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Akwasi Osei Adjei; Minister of Employment and Manpower Development, Nana Akomea; and Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Joe Ghartey, among other high-profile ministers, who all came to show their support for the NPP's new kid on the block. With the exception of Vice President Aliu Mahama who was represented by his wife, Hajia Ramatu Mahama, the other presidential aspirants showed up with their wives to show their support for the new flag bearer. The church service, organized to thank God for a successful congress, was presided over by the Anglican Bishop of the Province of West Africa, Archbishop Justice Akrofi and other senior priests of the Ridge Church. Also in attendance were Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church and a Member of the Council of State, Most Reverend Samuel Asante-Antwi. The party leadership was led by the National Chairman, Peter Mac Manu, who pointed out that the task ahead of the party demanded closing of ranks. According to Mr. Mac Manu, the congress threw up a lot of challenges but with commitment and dedication, the party succeeded in coming out more united. He acknowledged that the road to the Castle may be very rough, but that with unity, they would surely be victorious. He called on the rank and file to close their ranks and move ahead in unity to ensure a third successive electoral victory for the party. The party would be going into the December 7 electoral duel with incumbency advantage, having dislodged the National Democratic Congress (NDC) from the Castle in the 2000 elections. Nana Akufo-Addo, who paid tribute to the founding fathers of the Danquah-Busia Tradition, conceded that he was stepping into very mighty boots. However, he said he would do everything within his power not to betray the trust reposed in him. Nana Akufo-Addo, who was obviously elated, assured President Kufuor of his loyalty and faithfulness to his gov¬ernment and expressed his gratitude to party members for giving him the mandate to lead them. He was equally happy for the support received from other aspirants, after what he described as a "fierce contest". The first reading from the Book of Psalms 34:1-8 was taken by Nana Akuffo-Addo, while Alan Kyerematen, who was the runner-up at the NPP congress, took the second reading from Psalm 103:1-5. The NPP flag bearer noted that even though it had been his long term ambition to lead the party and the country, often times, he had expressed reservation about realizing it. But with the mandate handed over to him, he believed the coast was now clear for his presidency. "Next time when we meet here, you would call me President Akuffo-Addo," he jokingly told the gathering amidst the shout of "Amen". Delivering the sermon, Venerable J.L. Lamptey asked the presidential candidate to seek the face of God before starting his campaign, since all power belongs to God. Venerable Lamptey expressed his conviction that Nana Akuffo-Addo would be a successful leader because of his firm Christian background. He noted that a call to "national duty is a call for personal sacrifice”, saying that there must be fairness and equity in democratic governance. He asked the Almighty God to grant him guidance so he makes right decisions in his political career and prayed for an enlargement in his political territory. SOURCE: DAILY GUIDE