Campaign to lift the ban on the CPP Resistance to the banning of the CPP dates back to the February 1966 coup when the CPP government was overthrown and all political activity banned. For many years, while military regimes were in power, opposition to the ban had to be covert. Later, when political activity was permitted, attempts were openly made to get the ban in the CPP lifted. The matter was pursued through the Ghana judiciary, but without success. Nevertheless, Nkrumaists in Ghana and overseas continued to work tirelessly, organising pressure groups, appeals, demonstrations, petitions and so on. It was a campaign destined never to end until victory, when Nkrumaists could once again gather under the banner of the ‘C.P.P.’, the historic Party name indelibly imprinted in the minds off all true Nkrumaists. The Convention Party (CP) In 1998, with parliamentary and presidential elections due to take place in December 2000, it was essential to register a party without further delay, to allow sufficient time to organise an efficient election campaign. If the "C.P.P." could not be registered, then the nearest equivalent had to be chosen. The Convention Party was reborn on 11 August 1998 when the party received its final certificate of registration from the Electoral Commission. In the words of an Nkrumaist: "The C.P. is the C.P.P.". It was the mainstream Nkrumaist formation, comprising the PHP, NIP, PPDD, the Nkrumaist Caucus, NCP, and sections of the PNC. The Party retained the cockerel symbol of the CPP, and its motto: FORWARD EVER, BACKWARD NEVER. The experienced CPP veteran, Comrade Koko Botsio was appointed Interim Chairman of the Party. Impetus for the merger of Nkrumaist forces which resulted in the formation of the CP had come from the grassroots, notably from the youth. This augured well for the future, as did the CP's clearly stated adoption of Nkrumaism as its political philosophy. The CPP is un-banned Before the 2000 elections however, the CPP was un-banned and has since contested the 2000 and 2004 election Key Dates in the Party's History In the history of every country there are landmark dates marking decisive turning points. Landmark dates in Ghana's history are all connected with the CPP. 12 JUNE 1949 Birth of the CPP 6 March 1957 Independence 1 July 1960 Republic Day 24 February 1966 Re-Dedication Day 12 June 1999 50th birthday of the CPP Party Calendar 24 February Re-Dedication Day