NEC to meet to discuss NDC's fortunes for December election

The National Executive Committee of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is expected to meet tomorrow Thursday, July 26, 2012 to decide on the party’s fortunes, following the death of Professor John Evans Atta Mills, yesterday.

The meeting is also expected to spell out the way forward on who would be selected as the next flag bearer to lead the party in the December poll.

Mr. Joshua Hamidu Akamba, Deputy National Organizer of the NDC, disclosed this to journalists in Accra on Wednesday when many sympathizers besieged the party’s Headquarters at Kokomlemle, to sign the Book of Condolence and to mourn with the family of Late President Mills.

President Mills passed away suddenly Tuesday afternoon at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra, according to a press statement signed by the Chief of Staff, Mr. John Henry Martey Newmann and issued by the Ministry of Information.

The atmosphere at the NDC Headquarters was quite somber as dozens of people were seen clad in red and black mourning cloth, with hand bands.

Some were visibly shocked shaking their heads in disbelief whiles others were in tears.

Professor Kwame Agyenim-Boateng, who told journalists he is the Chairman of the NDC in USA, eulogized President Mills, referring to him as a man who accomplished much within few years.

“President Mills came at the right time in the political history of the country. He was so patient in directing affairs. He did not think about how much he will acquire for himself, but rather what he will do for Ghana,” he added.

Prof. Agyenim-Boateng suggested that some projects the departed leader embarked on must bear his name as a way to honor him.

“He will always be remembered for good politics. He was talented and selfless,” he added.

Some other NDC sympathizers and high profile personalities spotted at the party Headquarters included Mr. Allotey Jacobs, Central Regional Director of Communications for the NDC, businessman, Alfred Agbesi Woyome and ace-musicians Jewel Ackah and Randy Nunoo.

As of 11:20 GMT, 38 people had signed the Book of Condolence.

Late President Mills celebrated his 68th birthday only last Saturday, July 21, 2012.

He became the Vice President of Ghana under the second NDC Government from 1997 to 2001.

Late President Mills contested the presidential election in 2000, but lost to former President John Agyekum Kufuor in the second round of the poll. The tax expert and law professor was born on July 21, 1944 at Tarkwa and is married to Ernestina Naadu Mills.

Meanwhile, in accordance with Article 60 (6) of the 1992 Constitution, Vice President John Mahama was on Tuesday July 24, 2012 sworn in as President at an emergency sitting in Parliament.**