Prof Mills still missing in action

The continued conspicuous absence of National Democratic Congress flag-bearer John Evans Atta Mills in the party's campaign, and the growing projection of his running mate is giving rise to concern among his party faithfuls, the Statesman has learnt.

Indeed, one might be forgiven for thinking the former law professor had abandoned the race in favour of John Dramani Mahama! A cursory glance at the news making the front pages of the country's newspapers as well as electronic media would bear this out.

This perception has been fueled in no small part by the NDC flagbearer's ceding of important public appearances to other members of his party, usually his running mate.

For instance, at a recent seminar aimed at offering opportunity for future political leadership in the country to lay out their vision for a crisis-free energy sector in the march towards a middle income status, organised by the Energy Centre and Lecture Committee of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, the NDC view was presented by John Mahama, but only after serious haggling and threats of boycott.

The organisers had insisted that only flag-bearers were invited, Paa Kwesi Nduom (CPP), Edward Mahama (PNC) and Nana Akufo-Addo (NPP) gave their addresses in person A statement from Prof Mills' office confirmed he was in the country at the time.

A little later, Prof Mills was also conspicuous by his absence at a demonstration organised by the Committee for Joint Action, a group led almost exclusively by leading members of the NOC, on one of its numerous marches.

Last Tuesday, the NDC leader was again absent at a forum organised by the Ghana Trades Union Congress for Presidential candidates in Kumasi, the country's second largest city.

Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni, one time running mate to Atta Mills and former Minister in the Rawlings administration, was supposed to represent him.

However, Mumuni was rejected by the TUC with the explanation that the platform offered was for the presidential aspirants themselves and not their representatives.

TUC had deemed it expedient for the flag-bearers to tell the world about their individual programmes regarding job creation for the youth and other related issues.

Earlier, Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, presidential hopeful of the Convention People's Party, had completed his discourse. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the New Patriotic Party flag-bearer, also addressed the group.

John Mahama has regularly received greater media attention on his campaign tours.

A top notch of the NDC, who did not want to be mentioned, remarked to The Statesman: "This is very embarrassing to the party. I quite remember sometime ago when an energy forum was organised by a group of students at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, our flag-bearer did not turn up. It does not augur well for our party because such forums give the candidates the opportunity to convince the electorate about their programmes".

According to him, "it is becoming increasingly clear that John Mahama, who is the running mate, is rather the leader of the NDC,” and wondered where Atta Mills is.

The electioneering campaign of the party appears to have been placed on the shoulders of John Mahama, who has been touring some parts of the country to canvass for votes in the December elections.