Mills accepts to become presidential candidate of NDC

Accra, April 29, GNA - Vice President John Evans Atta Mills on Saturday accepted his election as the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the December General Election.

Vice President Mills was declared elected by the Electoral Commission at the extra ordinary delegates' Congress of the party at Ho, because at the close of nominations, he was the sole candidate.

In his acceptance speech, he pledged to make Ghana a country of equal opportunities in education, health "and even politics". Prof. Mills said he would seek the mandate of Ghanaians in December to build on the foundation of democracy and development initiated by President Rawlings.

"I shall form a new government with a team of experienced and skilful people. I shall draw the experience of both the old and the new in close consultation with the party leadership. "There will be no pre-arranged positions and personal agreement", he said, followed by a prolonged applause.

Praising President Rawlings for his excellent leadership and dedication to the nation, which he described as "sometimes unorthodox, but never self-glorifying," Prof. Mills promised to continue with the legacies of June Four and December 31.

"President Rawlings has said that he will not go anywhere when he leaves office, and we will not allow him to go anywhere. I have benefited immensely from his strong personality and charisma, which led Ghana into a democracy that we are all proud of.

"I will be knocking at your door morning, noon and night and you will always be a valued friend and good advisor." Prof. Mills talked about the present economic problems, which he said were foreseen last year, adding that restructuring that would include increased agricultural production, diversification of exports and the adoption of tough measures that would halt the importation of goods, some which are produced locally.

"Our objective will be to reduce by half the percentage of incomes that Ghanaians spend of food, but my priority will be on education. " As an academic and a teacher, you will expect me to say this, but if Ghana is to lead Africa in quality education in a knowledge-based global society, then all the talents in every corner of the country must be harnessed and developed."

Supporting President Rawlings' earlier call for greater opportunities for women in the party and at the national level, Prof. Mills said greater proportion of roles would be assigned to women with the requisite qualification ever than before.

He praised the security agencies for their contribution to national development saying, "we will continue to invest in you to maintain peace and stability, fight crime and protect our territorial integrity".

Prof. Mills asked that members of the Akatamanso family should forgive each other, learn from their mistakes and unite for the good of the party and nation.