Vice President Mills to hold press conference next month

Vice President John Evans Atta Mills would hold a press conference next month to enable the people, through the mass media, to obtain a fuller appreciation and understanding of his views on issues of interest to the electorate.

An official statement by the Communications Minister, John Mahama, said details of the conference would be communicated in due course to all media houses and the general public. The statement noted that in recent weeks, Prof. Mills' office had been inundated with requests from the mass media, both local and foreign, NGOs, associations and diplomatic missions for interviews, meetings and in some cases, public presentations by him. It said these events generally have been planned as part of programmes involving the candidates of all the political parties.

The statement said Professor Mills, who is the candidate of the National Democratic Congress, "appreciates the interest expressed in his candidacy by these invitations and is eager, as he has stated in various places, to have as many interactions with as many groups and people as possible." It pointed out that Prof. Mills' schedule is particularly burdened by the fact that he has to combine his position as a candidate with the day-to-day responsibilities that he has to perform as Vice President. During periods when President Jerry John Rawlings happens to be outside the country, the Vice President's additional role as Acting President imposes extra responsibilities on him.

The statement expressed regret that he is unable to honour personally all the invitations being sent to him, especially, those made by media organisations. It said where appropriate, Prof. Mills had asked other members of government, the NDC or his campaign team to represent him.