John ‘Obama’ is finally outdoored

.. as the NDC promises to invest in people, jobs & the economy
Outside the main hall was a sea of party supporters dressed in the black, red, white and green colours had literally flooded the National Theatre. They danced, screamed, sang and at other times surged forward in an attempt to gain entry into the main hall- all these while waiting for their flagbearer, Professor John Atta Mills and his running-mate, John Dramani Mahama.

The occasion was the launch of the party’s campaign for the December 2008 elections and official introduction of John Mahama to the party, Ghanaians and the World. And it was for the NDC, an event of a different kind. A well choreographed event to which non-party persons including business executives, the diplomats, heads of civil society organizations and other international bodies had been invited.

Why not a rally or an event at the party headquarters as the NDC and other party’s have been noted for? Because, according to party executives the message for the day and the introduction was not meant for the party’s supporters alone, but the country especially non-party supporters and the world.

Inside the main hall, party officials were looking very excited and happy with themselves as they danced and waved their flags before the very eyes of journalists and officials from the diplomatic community. Grand old lady but still looking petite and colourful, Dr. (Mrs.) Mary Grant represented her colleagues on the Council of Elders at the event and joined the flagbearer, running mate, Chairman and General Secretary on the stage. Also present was former military strongman General Arnold Quainoo (Rtd), former IGP C. K. Dewornu, former Bank of Ghana Governor Alex Ashiagbor, and many others.

With a huge backdrop that had the inscription ‘Our Road to Prosperity… Investing in people, job and the economy’, Dr. Kwabena Adjei, Chairman of the party said the NDC is a united party and “our base is even now broader.” He urged the supporters to stand firm and give the leadership the needed support to ensure the needed victory. General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketia said the NDC is battle ready and called on the government to equip the Electoral Commission with the necessary logistics and funds to execute this year’s elections with less difficulty. Party leader and presidential candidate Professor Atta Mills, who had Lenny Akpadi’s song re-mixed by the Dansoman Youth Choir for him, in an extempore, coherent and cohesive speech, pledged the NDC’s commitment to working towards the improvement of the economy as well as refreshing the national spirit of Ghanaians. “Majority of our people are carrying economic burdens and they need salvation” he noted. According to the NDC leader, his walkabouts and visits to homes, markets and beaches afforded him an opportunity to interact and share with the country’s fishermen and fishmongers, taxi drivers, traders, business executives among others, their problems, hopes, aspirations and expectations.

Professor Mills noted that it became clear to him that majority of Ghanaians “have been exiled to the margins of an economy,” and expressed optimism that an NDC government under his leadership will bring the needed results suffering Ghanaians are looking forward to. “Life is a constant struggle to better one’s life,” he added. Listing a litany of what he said were failed promises made by the ruling NPP and President Kufuor, the NDC Leader said his government will provide leadership that this country requires and will not entertain corruption. “If anyone departs from our vision, action will be swift and prompt,” adding that “2008 is going to be our moment of glory.”

Professor Mills, who surprised many with the clarity of his delivery and arrangement of thought, emphasized the party’s focus during the campaign period and focus as a government, indicating that the party’s policies have been drawn out after carefully listening to the people and are intended to bring hope to the people. The policies and strategies which will be released, promoted and campaigned on are focused on making Ghana a better place by investing in its people, creating jobs and building a strong economy with expanded infrastructure and an open and transparent government. "Our manifesto, which we will soon outdoor, will offer more specifics and Ghanaians will see for themselves how prepared the NDC is to assume the mantle of leadership to serve this country.” His government would work hard, he said, to negate the disturbing branding of Ghana as a major hub for hard drugs, adding that the NDC government would also work to reduce crime and armed robbery.

Turning to his running mate, Professor Mills in introducing him to the world said he’s a running mate “in whom I’m well pleased.” According to the NDC leader, John Mahama is lucky to have been selected knowing very well the number of quality materials in the party and who are qualified for the job.

Dressed in a white African print with spots of the NDC colours over black trousers, the affable MP for Bole- Bamboi enjoyed a thunderous applause and standing ovation when he entered the main auditorium and after his introduction by the party leader.

Newly christened by party faithful as ‘Obama’, John Mahama pledged his commitment to work hard “to make ours a winning team.” He said this year’s election is about what the various parties have in store for the suffering people of Ghana, adding that calls for a comparison of records could amount to mediocrity. This he explained is because the issues confronting Ghanaians require a much more concerted approach to solving and no one should be happy with providing two hospitals more than what another government provided, when a total of say 40 hospitals were actually required during the period. He however indicated the NDC’s preparedness to the campaign and debate of records.

Communications Director Hannah Tetteh Kpodar and Campaign Coordinator Alex Segbefia who took the gathering through the party’s thematic areas of job creation, investing in people, equality and transparency, said this will help ensure that the NDC smoothly take Ghanaians through the prosperity road by enhancing their living conditions.

Such road, Prof. Mills is optimistic, will be free from the bumpiness of corruption, nepotism and polarisation.