AN ASPIRING Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Eddie Annan, has emphatically stated that he would build at least 48 schools and clinics for needy communities in Ghana within four years out of his monthly salaries if he becomes the next President of Ghana.
He emphasized that he was financially sound and needed no additional money from the State to support his family or businesses. The Business Magnate thus stressed that he would give the ¢50 million monthly salary he would then receive a as President to support needy communities and children in the streets.
Addressing about 133 party delegates from 19 constituencies in the Northern Region at the VRA Club House in Tamale, Mr. Annan asserted, "If my facts are right, the President of this country takes about ¢50 million a month as salary, and I can tell you that ¢50 million can put up either one school or clinic for a deprived area. So instead of receiving ¢50 million a month, I will donate ¢50 million every month as my salary to build a school or a clinic for the deprived areas".
"This means if I become the President of this country, I will build 48 schools or clinics within four years and 96 in eight years. This determines my commitment and the passion that I have for the people of this country.
This is because apart from the fact that I can feed my family and myself, the State also provides food aside the salary, so why do I keep my salary? I will donate it to charity", he assured.
He regretted that there were thousands of deprived Ghanaian children and women roaming in the streets without food and water which matter, he mentioned, deserved serious attention from the President.
The well-attended meeting was to officially declare his ambition for the flagbearership of the NDC in the 2008 general elections.
It was also to familiarize himself with the delegates and demand for their support in the Region.
The International Business Tycoon, who is currently working ahead of campaign period, to break even the controversy surrounding his popularity, emphasized that Ghana, as a developing nation, needs a leader who could turn the socio-economic fortunes of the people around. He described himself as the only viable personality who fits into the seat of the Presidency after President Kufuor and impressed upon the delegates to offer him their unflinching support to enable him obtain the flagbearership of the NDC for massive victory in the 2008 elections.
The NDC presidential aspirant maintained that, though the party needed just 7% votes to win the 2008 elections, he would build a strong collaboration with the National, Regional and Constituency Executives of the party to win additional 10% of the total national votes to the existing 44% the party already has to ensure a convincing winover the NPP.
According to Mr. Annan, unlike the NPP government, which he asserted, was harassing the NDC businessmen and supporters, his government would not be insensitive, tribalistic and discriminative.
He expressed the optimism that under his leadership come 2008, the NDC would come back to power to alleviate the current economic hardship confronting most Ghanaians.
He asked the NDC supporters and sympathizers to keep their faith in the party and assured them of immediate solutions to their problems.
He appealed to them to remain focused and united, and asked them to give him their maximum support and -operation to enable him deliver for Ghanaians.
"Eddie Annan stands for competence, fairness and transparent leadership," he concluded.
In a related development, some delegates emphasized that it was very important for aspirants to trek to as many communities as possible and acquaint themselves with the people and the problems they face, than staying in air-conditioned and first rate hotels in the regional capital in Tamale, expecting to be approached.
