The former Chief Executive Officer of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, Joe Osei-Wusu, has finally confirmed his decision to contest the forthcoming parliamentary election as an independent candidate in the Bekwai Constituency. His declaration is based on “the necessity to provide a different kind of leadership within the framework of good governance, a leadership that would make the community take advantage and enjoy the benefits of the good governance that is provided under the NPP government.” Mr. Osei-Wusu, who ignored pressures and persuasions from the Ashanti Regional branch of the NPP to rescind his decision, confirmed to Yaw Ansu-Gyeabour of Luv FM at midday that he was technically no longer a member of the NPP. The latest development, is believed, would perpetually end months of confrontations between his supporters and those of the sitting Member of Parliament of the Constituency, Kofi Adusei, who is also the re-elected parliamentary candidate on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Osei-Wusu said he has deeply thought of the implication of his action, but said that does not stop him from responding to the demands of his numerous supporters whom he said are the force behind his resolution. He said he does not see any party beyond the NPP, and added he will win the parliamentary seat and return to the fold of the party. “If I win I will certainly sit with the NPP,” he said. Mr. Osei-Wusu said he also took into consideration the possibility of the National Democratic Congress taking over the seat from the NPP and his action was to prevent an avoidable ‘skirt and blouse’. Mr. Osei-Wusu lost the NPP primaries in Bekwai in the Amansie East District by a ballot after he polled 69 votes against Kofi Adusei's 70 votes. The aftermath of the closely contested poll was characterised by violence between supporters of Osei-Wusu and a police detachment that forcefully quelled a demonstration by the former. Story Isaac Essel