Dan Botwe files papers for NPP race

Accra, Oct. 31, GNA - Hundreds of party faithful and supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Wednesday thronged the headquarters to demonstrate their support for Mr. Dan Botwe, former General Secretary and Minister of Information, when he filed his nomination papers to lead the party into next year's presidential election.

Amidst drumming, singing and dancing, the crowd made up mainly of the youth wielded banners, which read: "Dan Botwe, Man of Integrity and Man of the People."

Soon after handing over his nomination papers to Nana Ohene Ntow, the party's General Secretary, Mr Botwe danced with joy in response to the jubilant crowd who sang lyrics which said: "Dan you're the most high; you're the next king."

He became the 13th person to file for the race scheduled for December 22 this year during the party's Special Delegates' Congress. November 22 is the closing date for filing of nominations. Addressing the press, Mr Botwe said the event bought back nostalgic moments because in the same way as he received President John Agyekum Kufuor's nomination papers which took him to the Castle, he (Mr Botwe) would also receive the baton of the Presidency from the President, come January 2009.

He said as a true member of the Danquah-Busia tradition, a marketable leader and a proven political leader, coupled with his 25 years of active engagement in the politics of Ghana, he was on the front seat in term of experience of the major political developments in the country.

Mr Botwe said the time had come for a leader who could reinvigorate the party to mobilise the people like never before, adding that only an engaged and reinvigorated NPP member of his calibre could define, deliver and fulfill the people's aspirations. He said as a marketable person he possessed the abilities to strike a cord with the ordinary Ghanaian and carry the party and its message of the people.

"My candidacy is based on the fundamental realisation that this country, under a strong, committed and visionary leadership, can live up to the expectations of its people and deliver the security, prosperity, health and education opportunities and economic well-being that our people demand and deserve," he said.

According to him 50 years was a long time in the history of any nation and therefore the time for delivery and realizing Ghana's collective vision, aspirations and hopes was now. He promised to pursue the dream of becoming a presidential candidate and a strong but decent president of the nation.