NDC’ll win 2016 elections based on our track record in govt — Prez Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has confidently stated that the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC’s) proven track record will win it this year’s general election.
Advertisement
“I have no doubt that based on our proven track record in government, the NDC will win the upcoming elections,” he told party faithful and supporters at the 24th anniversary of the founding of the party in Accra yesterday.
He consequently invited Ghanaians to examine the records of the party and vote for it accordingly.
Speaking at the party’s headquarters at Adabraka in Accra, President Mahama said apart from the unmatched record of the party, the manifesto it was preparing to launch would add to its image as the most credible and preferred choice.
Founder members
The anniversary was dedicated to honouring the founder members of the party, as well as others who played various roles in building the party into a formidable force in Ghana’s politics.
The conference hall of the party headquarters, where the event was held, erupted into loud cheers when President Mahama and former President Jerry John Rawlings, who also gave an inspiring speech, accompanied by other party chieftains, entered for proceedings to begin.
And when the party’s anthem composed by the veteran musician, Jewel Ackah, who was also honoured at the ceremony, boomed from two loud speakers, the atmosphere got very charged.
Records
Turning to the performance of the NDC in government from the period of former President Rawlings, the President said the delivery stood unblemished.
Other Trending Stories
He then zoomed in on his administration and took time to elaborate on some of the achievements in the various sectors of national development.
He indicated that the achievements of his government had been recognised even beyond the boundaries of the country.
“All around us, we have witnessed the significant works we have done in education and health care and the other social sectors. This is recognised not only nationally but internationally. We are moving forward in the right direction and we are changing the lives of our people and we are transforming our country Ghana,” he said.
He said the fact that Ghana was moving forward was also premised on the massive infrastructural development, economic stability in the face of the unfavourable global economic situation and the thousands of jobs created during his tenure.
In all the strides, he said, accountability and good governance had been the watchwords.
“We have also endeavoured to connect to the people through transparent and accountable governance, and above all we remain committed to our first pillar of putting the people first,” he said.
The President said every Ghanaian deserved a decent life and that was why he continued to ensure equitable distribution of the national cake.
President Mahama paid glowing tribute to former Presidents Rawlings and J.E.A. Mills for their excellent performance in government.
Manifesto
The President gave hints of what was entailed in the yet-to-be launched NDC manifesto, saying, “Our manifesto has major policy initiatives, especially in the real sector.”
He stated that the first term of his administration had been devoted to laying the infrastructure for a massive socio-economic take-off and his second term would be devoted to investment in the real sector to create more jobs for the youth.
In a seeming sarcastic point which saw the party faithful pointing fingers at the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), the President said the NDC would not say it would wait for another party to launch its manifesto before launching its.
“Our ideas are original and so we will launch our manifesto and those who like it can copy,” he said.
Advertisement
President Mahama also said the NDC campaign team was expected to be named next week, while consultations were ongoing for the launch of the national campaign.
No threat
He re-emphasised the NDC’s resolve to ensure that the general election passed peacefully, adding, “We will not threaten our way to power.”
He asked the other parties to also commit to peace, while advising against falsehood and irresponsible use of the media and social media.
Recognition
President Mahama recognised the immense role the founder members played in shaping the party and thanked them for their contribution.
Advertisement
Touching on Thursday’s floods in Accra, he said but for the massive de-silting works recently undertaken in the capital city, the situation would have been worse.
He, however, admitted that there was still some amount of work to be done, while advising against human activities that contributed to the development.
Criticism
In his address, Mr Rawlings, who is also the founder of the NDC, stressed the need for the party to take criticisms in good faith, so that it could build on its performance.
Although he said in an election year tempers might rise as a result of criticisms, “The NDC must not allow its desire to stay in power to compel its leaders at various levels to descend into the gutters and contribute to the atmosphere of insecurity and hopelessness.”
Advertisement
“We have to accept criticisms in good faith and recognise the fact that criticism is the best form of praise,” he said.
Mr Rawlings also described as unpardonable “the multiple and contradictory responses from government officials to allegations against the government or the party”.
Changes
He said although the party had witnessed important changes since its birth, it should not deviate from the ideals of truth, justice, equality, transparency and accountability that underpinned its establishment.
The former President said since 2009, the NDC in power had been confronted with some major challenges, including the power shortfall and the global economic downturn resulting from the unfair world economic order.
“We have to concede, however, that in spite of government’s conscious efforts to ensure that we surmount these challenges, some within the party and the government have swayed from the core ideals of integrity and transparency.
“We need to offer ourselves multiple opportunities for intra-party soul-searching, where we can candidly look at one another eyeball to eyeball and question our contribution to the success or otherwise of this political force,” he said.