Take destiny into your hands - Tony Aidoo tells youth

Accra, Sept 18, GNA - A leading member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr Tony Aidoo has called on the youth to take their destiny into their own hands and vote out the government of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) that "has held the people in bondage for the past eight years with their insensitive policies".

Speaking at a youth musical jamboree organized by a group of youth activists of the NDC and the Odododiodioo constituency of the party at Mantse Agbona in Accra he said, "the youth are 'jamming' away their agony because they know that the days of the insensitive NPP government are numbered and near to an end for the NDC to take over", he stated. "With about three months left for the Kufuor government, (Nana) Akufu-Addo - the Presidential Candidate of the NPP - will get a shock of his life." Dr Aidoo said and accused the NPP of taking power not for the people but for themselves.

He advised NDC supporters and members not to get scared of pictures of crowds at rallies of the NPP because they were "bussed" to the functions from all over the country and called on them to unite solidly behind the party for the NDC Presidential Candidate to form the next government and retain the Odododiodioo seat.

Mr. Jonathan Tackie-Komme, the MP for the area described the youth as the bedrock of the society and future leaders and said the jamboree was to rally and sensitise them on issues affecting the country to enable them to make informed choices. "Having been aware of my achievements and the track record of the NDC, you should vote for Prof. Atta Mills to form the government and the party to retain the seat for me to continue with my plans for the area", the MP said.

He advised the youth to desist from violence associated with the election since the exercise was not a war between the political parties. Mr. Jerry Akwei-Thompson, Regional Organiser of the NDC, said "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy", adding that, the musical jamboree was to take the youth away from the normal political rally and at the same time send them useful messages. He called on the youth to unite behind the NDC to win the 2008 elections because the government was selling all important national assets and there would be nothing left for them when it was time for their turn.

Mr. Daniel Okai, Constituency Chairman, said the obvious choice of the people especially the youth for a government should be the NDC since its guiding principle as social democrats made them more human centred and cared for the people instead of a property owning democracy with its class struggle.

He expressed concern about the high cost of living and economic problems confronting the nation and advised the youth as foot soldiers of the party to encourage and win over more supporters for the NDC to win the December general election. Mr. Emmanuel Nii Ashie Moore, Chairman of the Hamburg Branch of the party, speaking to the GNA said a survey in the area during the recent voters registration exercise indicated that the youth felt left out in activities and decision-taking.

He said a group of youth activists therefore decided to organize the programme with the regional and constituency executives. Present at the concert, which featured Adani Best, Paa Tee and a host of artistes were MPs, Alhaji Siad Sinare, a National Vice Chairman, Madam Ama Benyiwa Doe, National Women's Organiser and other national, regional and other executives of the party.