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NDC without Rawlings, a new
brand in the making?
Accra, May 7, Ghanadot/GNA - Prof John Evans Atta Mills,
Flag Bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), for
Elections 2008 on Wednesday said the task of the Party would
be to improve the economy, refresh the national spirit and
reunite the people of Ghana.
Prof. Mills promised Ghanaians that politics of polarization
would have no place in the country and he would be a
President of the whole country, devoid of marginalization if
given the nod in the forthcoming elections.
"I am here to reassure Ghanaians, who are tired of politics
as usual, that we are committed to a new type of politics
which will foster national unity and a new sense of
purpose."
Prof Mills gave the assurance at the launch of the national
campaign of the NDC, which was also used to introduce his
running mate, Mr John Dramani Mahama.
Prof. Mills accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of using
its political power as hammer to nail the people in other
political parties.
The Flag Bearer told the enthusiastic crowd that welcomed
him to the National Theatre in Accra at 1454 hours with a
chorus of "Atta Mills, You Are the Most High!" that the
agenda of the NDC was for a better Ghana, investing in
people, job creation and strong economy, expanding
infrastructure and an open and transparent government.
"Our manifesto, which we will soon outdoor, will offer more
specifics and Ghanaians will see for themselves how prepared
the NDC is to assume the mantle of leadership to serve this
country," the NDC Flag Bearer said.
He promised to use the weapon of truth to respond to the
challenges of leading the nation, adding; "I was not born
with a silver spoon in my mouth. And I will not regard my
election as President as some kind of coronation".
Prof Mills accused the NPP government of breaking the
promise of providing jobs, reduction in the size of
Government; reducing the cost of living and pursuing a zero
tolerance for corruption, but rather engaging in what he
called "profligate expenditure on presidential aircraft;
palaces and lavish anniversary celebrations".
Placing value on truth, and appropriate sanctions on errant
political behaviour, the NDC Flag Bearer said genuine and
public demonstration of the trustworthiness of leaders
should define Ghana's leadership in 2009 and beyond. "And
should any member of the Atta Mills' Government act in ways
contrary to our national purpose and character, rest assured
that Atta Mills will be swift in acting."
"I will not govern according to my desires; I will govern
according to the will of the people. I make a pledge to
engage with opposing points of view."
Prof Mills, who is a Former Vice President of Ghana from
1996 to 2000, expressed worry about Ghana's sunken image as
major drug trafficking country, and promised to redeem that
image and save the Ghanaian public from the "the scourge of
crime and armed robbery.
The NDC Flag Bearer, an accomplished university don; tax
expert; lawyer and sportsman, paid tribute to the founding
fathers; the National Executives, and foot-soldiers of the
Party and expressed conviction that it would be victorious
in the December elections.
Prof Mills urged Ghanaians to hold the Electoral Commission
to the same standards they held it in the run-up to Election
2000.
"We only ask the Electoral Commission to do its duty
impartially and not to succumb to any subtle pressures.
"The NDC is wide awake, and we will open our eyes much wider
in the coming days and weeks especially when the voters
register is re-opened and on the voting day itself.
"Let the ruling party be in no doubt of the NDC's strong
determination to prevent a repeat of electoral abuses,
including abuse of incumbency, which characterized the 2004
elections," Prof Mills said.
Prof Mills again expressed confidence in Mr Mahama, MP for
Bole Bamboi as his running mate, declaring; "I have a
Running Mate, John Mahama, in whom I am well pleased."
GNA
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