The former Vice President, Professor John Evans Atta-Mills on Tuesday declared that he would seek the nomination of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as its flagbearer for the 2004 national Presidential elections.
He then threw a welcoming challenge to other contestants within the NDC who were interested in the race to feel free to join the contest with him saying, "I know there are several others who are also interested in the flagbearership. Professor Atta Mills told a parked press conference that, "No matter how many contestants emerge, however, I am very confident that I will receive an overwhelming mandate from delegates at the Party's Special National Congress for this December this year".
To contest for the position of the flagbearer, he last Thursday tendered his resignation as a member of the National Executive Committee in accordance with the Regulations for the Election of the Party's flagbearer.
So far, former Minister of Finance, Dr. Kwesi Botchwey and Economic Planning and former Presidential Adviser, Alhaji Iddrisu Mahama have reportedly declared their intentions to contest the NDC primaries for the position of flagbearer. Professor Atta Mills said he is confident that the open debate on matters of strategy in the Party, some of which have been acrimonious, would ensure that the party emerged stronger and more focused.
He said "Problems there are. And problems there will be. Solutions there are, and solutions we will find. We would not be a political party if there were no differences among us. But it is how we handle those differences, how we resolve those problems that will determine our maturity as a Party”. Professor Atta-Mills pledged that he would contribute to resolve differences and problems in the party and said he would continue, "to preach the message of peace and unity, the basis of which is love, tolerance and respect for one another in the party and in the nation as a whole.
Referring to a comment he made at a Party congress in Ho in April 2000, on consulting former President Jerry Rawlings if elected President, Professor Mills said the issue was given a twist and stole the headlines. He said "The interpretations were many and varied, and on several occasions I had to explain the context in which it was made."
He said he still "value consultation in politics as in other spheres of life. Prof Atta-Mills said "I put a high premium on consultation as a means for consensus building within the party and the nation as a whole. I will give honour andrecognition where it is due. But once elected the flagbearer, and ultimately the President, the buck stops with me. "I will make decisions and I will take responsibility for them”.
On his vision for the country, Prof Atta Mills promised to build on the democratic legacy of the NDC, be transparent in all they do and be accountable to Parliament and the people of Ghana. He promised to insist on bringing "genuine and true reconciliation and harmony throughout the country" and he would offer to the people what the party firmly believes could be achieved. Professor Atta Mills said he accepted past failures of the party and promised to take inspiration from the party's philosophy of social democracy with a commitment to succeed with new improved ideas.
He expressed concern about the increasing political polarisation in the country and said the acrimonious statements and publications are fuelling an already tense situation.
The former Vice President, Professor John Evans Atta-Mills on Tuesday declared that he would seek the nomination of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as its flagbearer for the 2004 national Presidential elections.
He then threw a welcoming challenge to other contestants within the NDC who were interested in the race to feel free to join the contest with him saying, "I know there are several others who are also interested in the flagbearership. Professor Atta Mills told a parked press conference that, "No matter how many contestants emerge, however, I am very confident that I will receive an overwhelming mandate from delegates at the Party's Special National Congress for this December this year".
To contest for the position of the flagbearer, he last Thursday tendered his resignation as a member of the National Executive Committee in accordance with the Regulations for the Election of the Party's flagbearer.
So far, former Minister of Finance, Dr. Kwesi Botchwey and Economic Planning and former Presidential Adviser, Alhaji Iddrisu Mahama have reportedly declared their intentions to contest the NDC primaries for the position of flagbearer. Professor Atta Mills said he is confident that the open debate on matters of strategy in the Party, some of which have been acrimonious, would ensure that the party emerged stronger and more focused.
He said "Problems there are. And problems there will be. Solutions there are, and solutions we will find. We would not be a political party if there were no differences among us. But it is how we handle those differences, how we resolve those problems that will determine our maturity as a Party”. Professor Atta-Mills pledged that he would contribute to resolve differences and problems in the party and said he would continue, "to preach the message of peace and unity, the basis of which is love, tolerance and respect for one another in the party and in the nation as a whole.
Referring to a comment he made at a Party congress in Ho in April 2000, on consulting former President Jerry Rawlings if elected President, Professor Mills said the issue was given a twist and stole the headlines. He said "The interpretations were many and varied, and on several occasions I had to explain the context in which it was made."
He said he still "value consultation in politics as in other spheres of life. Prof Atta-Mills said "I put a high premium on consultation as a means for consensus building within the party and the nation as a whole. I will give honour andrecognition where it is due. But once elected the flagbearer, and ultimately the President, the buck stops with me. "I will make decisions and I will take responsibility for them”.
On his vision for the country, Prof Atta Mills promised to build on the democratic legacy of the NDC, be transparent in all they do and be accountable to Parliament and the people of Ghana. He promised to insist on bringing "genuine and true reconciliation and harmony throughout the country" and he would offer to the people what the party firmly believes could be achieved. Professor Atta Mills said he accepted past failures of the party and promised to take inspiration from the party's philosophy of social democracy with a commitment to succeed with new improved ideas.
He expressed concern about the increasing political polarisation in the country and said the acrimonious statements and publications are fuelling an already tense situation.
