an entirely separate political party, the CPP. Kojo Botsio sent a telegram to the UGCC. Working Committee informing them about the formation of the CPP under the chairmanship of Nkrumah with the aim of "Self-Government Now for Chiefs and People of the Gold Coast, a democratic government and a higher living standard for the people". The UGCC Working Committee responded with a statement on 15 June 1949 warning members that the convention had nothing to do with the newly formed CPP, and that Paa Grant expects loyalty from all UGCC members and considers "formation [of a] new political party inimical to interests of [the] country". Wiser heads in UGCC understood danger ahead and appealed for a resolution of the conflict. On 26 June 1949 arbitrators were appointed to examine the dispute between Nkrumah and the UGCC Working Committee and an emergency conference of the UGCC, youth groups and the CPP met in Saltpond. But it was too late: the CPP made a clean break with the UGCC at the conference when there was no agreement on the condition that a new Working Committee be elected following Nkrumah's acceptance to disband the CPP and resume general secretaryship of the UGCC. The foundation of the CPP marked a decisive turning point in the history of Ghana. For it led directly to the achievement of Ghana's independence on 6 March 1957. CPP colours, motto, symbol and structure The colours of the party were to be red, white and green, the tricolour flag in horizontal form with red at the top, white in the centre and green at the bottom. Party motto: FORWARD EVER BACKWARD NEVER Its symbol: A red cockerel heralding the dawn. Party branches were to be established in every town and village, throughout the country. It was to be a mass-based party each branch of which was to be administered by an elected Branch Executive committee. There was to be a National Secretariat under the direct supervision and control of the Central Committee of the party. Members of the first Central Committee were: Kwame Nkrumah (Chairman) Kojo Botsio (Secretary) K. A. Gbedemah N. A. Welbeck Kwesi Plange Kofi Baako Krobo Edusei Dzenkle Dzewu Ashie Nikoi B.E. Dwira Positive Action The Evening News became the party's mouthpiece and its full-frontal demands for self-government increased its popularity and demand rose dramatically. Its pithy mottoes were: We have a right to live as men