Dr Kwesi Botchwey, a former Minister of Finance in the former NDC government, returned home last night from the United States (US) to begin his campaign to be elected as the presidential candidate of the NDC for the 2004 general elections.
Some leading members of the party who met him at the Kotoka International Airport included Deputy General-Secretary Baba Jamal, Mr Larry Adjetey, Mr Sam Garbah, Dr Ahmed Mustapha and thousands of NDC supporters.
Dr Botchwey, clad in NDC colours, told the supporters that he is back to seek their support and mandate to lead the party for the 2004 elections.
''The NDC needs to unite, strengthen and democratise in order to win the next elections. I believe I can provide the inspired leadership with vision and dynamism to return the NDC to power."
Asked whether Dr Obed Asamoah, the party Chairman, coerced him to seek the party's nomination, Dr Botchwey said he was rather asked by supporters and the public to seek the mandate.
He however, commended Dr Asamoah for creating a democratic atmosphere in the party, which enabled him to seek the nomination.
On the present government, Dr Botchwey said he has a lot of respect for President John Agyekum Kufuor. ''He is doing a good job but there is more room for improvement.''
He said Prof John Evans Atta Mills is a friend and we were even mates at Legon and I believe we would have a fruitful debate."
He said he would later issue statement on his candidature after which he would embark on a nationwide tour with party members.
