The UK & Ireland Chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) inaugurated a new Branch in Luton on Saturday 24 September 2011 as part of the Chapter’s drive to extend Party membership across the UK mainland. The event held at The Hope Church Reception Halls in Luton, Bedfordshire was well attended by large sections of the party’s faithfuls and members, the Executives and former members of the UK & Ireland Chapter, including Branch members from Milton Keynes and Liverpool; and party representatives from Birmingham, Leicester and Scotland. The elections, held in a calm and transparent atmosphere were moderated by Hon. Kofi Attor, the International Relations Director and Chief Executive of GIFEC, Mr Horace Ankrah, the chairman of the NDC UK & Ireland Chapter, Mr Kwame Agbodza, the Vice Chairman and Mr Kwesi Dzirasa, a former Secretary of the Chapter. Dignitaries in attendance include; the Deputy High Commissioner at the Ghana Mission in UK, Mrs Elizabeth Nichol and Nana Acheampong, an NDC Parliamentary aspirant for Mampong Constituency. Also present were Mr Ekow Mends a former Chairman and Mr Joe Gans-Lartey a former vice Chairman. In his welcoming address, the interim chairman of the Luton Branch, Mr Martin Hanson, thanked party supporters and well-wishers for coming in their numbers to witness the inauguration of the Luton Branch of the NDC. Mr Hanson promised that the new executives, when elected, would endeavour to uphold the Party's constitution and values at all times. He particularly thanked Mr Frank Mensah, the interim organiser for his encouragement and for working hard to bring the NDC closer to party followers in Luton. The Chairman of the Milton Keynes Ward, Mr Peter Kumadzi delivered a solidarity message from his members. He advised the Luton membership to uphold the Party’s constitution. He also advised members to strive to unite in all their deliberations. He said that it was only through unity that the Party’s vision and values of probity and accountability could be realised. The Chairman of the UK & Ireland Chapter, Mr Horace Ankrah provided an update on the efforts being made to extend Party membership to others centres across the UK. He said he was hopeful that many more Party branches would be inaugurated across the UK in the near future. The NDC UK & Ireland Chapter, he said, was looking forward to further inaugurate branches in Birmingham. Leicester and Scotland. The International Relations Director of the NDC, Mr Kofi Attor, delivered the inaugural speech. He provided the audience with an update on the current situation in the Party and government. He said the party and government are in good terms contrary to the noises being made by the main opposition party in Ghana. Hon. Attor said the NDC Government under His Excellency, President John Evans Atta Mills is on course to complete a number of projects aimed at improving the quality of life of Ghanaians. He said funds have recently been released for completing the Eastern and Western corridor roads projects to facilitate easy movement of goods and services across the country. He said despite the challenges facing the STX deal, the government's National Housing Building Project aimed at bringing affordable housing to the people of Ghana was on course and that the project would soon take off. On education, he said much has been done to improve the quality of education in the country and that the proposal for the establishment of the additional two universities in the country are waiting parliamentary approval and accreditation before programmes commence. On the economy, Hon. Kofi Attor said though expectations were very high the government had laid solid economic foundations for the implementation of the NDC government’s manifesto pledges. Oil exploration he said has provided boost for the economy. Ghana is attracting more foreign direct investment than before. Hon. Attor advised Party members to accept divergence views in all deliberations and to provide the much needed support for the President to build a Better Ghana. He said the NDC was grateful for the continuous efforts being made to mobilise support for the Party in the Diaspora. The following Party members were elected and sworn in by Hon. Kofi Attor as the new Executive members of the NDC Luton Branch: 1. Chairman: Mr David Agbley 2. Vice Chairman: Mr Frank Mensah 3. Secretary: Mr Griffith Quartey 4. Organiser: Mr Peter Richardson 5. Assist. Organiser: Mr Abeiku Bannerman 6. Treasurer: Mr Abdul Mahama 7. Assist. Treasurer: Mrs Nora Ayikailey Iyare 8. Welfare Officer: Mr Danny Aziati 9. Women's Organiser: Mrs Charity Mahama 10. Youth Organiser: Mr John Asante 11. Assist. Youth Organiser: Madam Pat Amoah 12. Public Relations Officer: Mr Bernard Thompson 13. Assist. Public Relations Officer: Mr Ebenezer Adams In his acceptance speech, the newly elected Chairman, Mr David Agbley, pledged to work closely with the new Executives in order to uphold the ideals and values of the party. He said he would endeavour to lead the newly elected Executives to create the enabling environment to attract more members to their fold. He promised to harness all the talents within the Branch to foster the growth of the Party in Luton. Mr Agbley also promised to work with neighbouring branches to foster unity so that they can work together to raise party awareness in the Diaspora. Alex Seshie-Vanderpuije Public Relations Officer NDC UK & Ireland Chapter