NDC extends olive branch to NPP supporters

Accra, June 16, GNA - The main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Monday assured members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and all other politicians that it would not be vindictive when it wins the December elections.

"NDC Government under Professor John Evans Atta Mills as President and Mr John Dramani Mahama as Veep would not be vindictive. No one should be afraid of any politically motivated harassment or intimidation," Mr. Danny Annan, NDC Greater Accra Regional chairman, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview in Accra. "Ghana is for all Ghanaians and an NDC Government would reach out to all, irrespective of political persuasion for accelerated development of the nation," he added.

Mr Annan dismissed as propaganda statements by some leading members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) that suggest any change of government in Elections 2008 would be a disaster for the nation's socio-economic development.

He stressed that it was not the nature of the new NDC, especially Prof. Mills and Mr Mahama, to be violent.

"Prof. Mills has always advocated peaceful politicking, which our opponent rubbished and denigrated in the past.

"Prof. Mills will remain the focus for the development of the country, instead of wasting national resources to hunt for alleged political opponents.. May be it's rather the NPP Ghanaians must guard against if the bitter infighting within its ranks are anything to go by. "We know the calibre of people who would take over the reigns of government should NPP win again and it would be catastrophic for these people to form a government in Ghana again."

Mr. Annan said Ghanaians should not lose sight of the bitter personality attacks, sacking of perceived opposing government officials and the mayhem that was leashed out on opponents during the NPP's December Congress to elect a flag bearer.

"Now the same habit is being exhibited across the country at their parliamentary primaries, these are dangerous signs for the deepening of the nation's democratic credentials," the NDC Regional Chairman stated. He therefore urged party activists to focus on the general strategy for winning power and work to attract more supporters from other parties, especially NPP sympathisers.

Mr Annan said the NPP was now faced with effect of the property owning democracy they practiced which had led to the neglect of masses of its supporters who sacrificed a lot for the party to win power. "The effect is that, these foot soldiers feel disenchanted for not enjoying anything for the past eight years that NPP has been in government whilst only a few enjoy everything."

Mr Annan urged encouraged NDC supporters not to allow self-centred spirit, pettiness and jealousy to destroy party unity and cohesion, which the NDC needed to win the December polls.

He advised party executives, former ministers of state and members of parliament to take active part in the campaign and assist activists to move around and do the house-to-house campaign of the party. Mr Annan reminded NDC activists that Election 2008 would be a difficult battle and that, "to win it we require the support of every member on board".

On developments in the Greater Accra Region, Mr. Annan said it would soon launch Phase Two of its campaign strategy to win majority of seats in the region and win over 60 per cent of votes for the presidential candidate.

He urged all losing parliamentary aspirants not to take the back seat but join forces with the winning candidates to fight for total victory. "It is winning the seat and maximising our presidential votes that would give us the key to the flagstaff house on January 7, 2009."