NDP urges supporters, sympathisers “to stay true to the course ”

The National Democratic Party (NDP) on Saturday asked its supporters and sympathisers “to stay true to the course”, saying it is ready to fight the December presidential and parliamentary elections.

A statement released by Dr. Joseph Manboah-Rockson, Interim Secretary General of NDP, said the National Executive of the party, which broke away from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), had followed with keen interest the political discourse in the past few days, and wished to reassure its members and sympathizers of “total commitment to the noble goals and objectives of the party.

“The National Executive Committee would also want to reiterate that we are ready to field parliamentary candidates in all constituencies across the country as well as choosing our flag bearer for the December 7 general elections”.

The NDP has said it would invite former first lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, to be its flag bearer for the election.

Last Wednesday, former President Jerry John Rawlings, who has for more than three years criticised the NDC and the late President John Evans Atta Mills, said President John Mahama had improved the chances of the party retaining power.

This statement has been interpreted to mean that he has endorsed the NDC’s candidate.

Addressing the Volta Region House of Chiefs in Ho on Wednesday, former President Rawlings said: “Something positive has no doubt emerged of late. Prior to the demise of our late President (John Evans Atta Mills), there was a lot of nervousness; there was a lot of anxiety among the governing party on how much of a chance it stood in the forthcoming elections.”

Former President Rawlings, who is the founder of the NDC, noted that President Mahama had brought a spark to the Presidency which hitherto was missing and could have cost NDC this year’s elections.

“The emergence of (President) John Mahama has also added a spark to the governing party and, therefore, reduced the old fear and anxiety. In other words, he has brought on board the possibility of also winning the election,” he added.