Mills gaining grounds in Volta

Former Vice President, Prof J.E. Atta Mills, is gaining grounds in the Volta Region in his bid to recapture the National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential slot.

In what can be described as his homecoming, the professor, supported by the regional executive and three Members of Parliament (MPs) in the Ho district bubbled with confidence as he answered torrents of questions from the media.

When asked by the Chronicle how he would reconcile the NDC following the Swedru declaration that divided the cadre front and efforts being made to democratise the party, Prof Mills confessed that he had problems with the so-called democratisation of the NDC because a party in power is quite different from a party in opposition, especially as the dynamics are different, adding “now that we are in opposition, our modus operandi has to be different.”

He went on, “It is a problem all parties in government or opposition have to contend with because it is very difficult for you to draw a bold line of distinction between the government and the party structure.”

Prof Mills admitted there is always the tendency on the part of the executive to dominate the party and there is also the tendency on the part of the party to think that whenever we have problems the executive will com to our aid.”

He told the press that though the NDC in power can never be the same as the NDC in opposition, “We are getting to grips with the reality on the ground.” The ex-veep said when given the nod, he would not only concentrate on the cadres alone but on the generality of the population and would encourage as many new and old members, especially those who have deserted the party for one reason or the other to come back to their fold.

Explaining his “24-hour consultation theory,” Prof Mills said there was the need to consult the old people whenever necessary but quickly asked whether it was possible for any minister to be appointed without vetting and approval by Parliament.

“Even the Constitution does not allow the President to do certain things without consulting the recognised bodies.” Prof Mills said, “What I meant was that former President Rawlings said when he leaves the presidency he was not going to leave the country and I endorsed it and said if it becomes necessary we would consult him over certain issues on which he can throw more light,” adding, “If you have been in government before you will realise that no one can dictate to a president.”

Asked whether he would support Dr Kwesi Botchwey if he lost to him, the ex-Veep said he would, in the interest of the NDC. Hear him, “As a sportsman, that is the essence of it. If you go into a contest there is a winner and there is a loser, but we all belong to one party. I will work hard as ever to support him.”

He said his vision is not different from the vision of the NDC and Volta Region will not be neglected, “Because no one neglects the hen that lays the golden eggs.”