"Vote for Mills or do not return home"

A pressure group in the Volta Region, which describes itself as “Concerned Electorate of the NDC”, on Monday warned the would-be delegates from the region to the 21 December congress of the NDC to remain in Accra, if their choice, Prof Mills, fails to get the nod.

The surest way to get him elected and save their heads, is for all the delegates from the region to vote for him, the group added. “Prof John Evans Atta Mills is the solution to Ghana’s problems and the only alternative that can save this country from the hardship associated with HIPC,” the group asserted.

They maintained that since the 2004 general elections would be keenly contested by all the political parties including the incumbent NP, there is the need for the delegates to vote for the already-marketed Prof Mills and “once tested vice-President of the Republic of Ghana.”

Addressing a press conference at Ho, the spokesman of the group, Wisdom Defeame, expressed the need for the delegates to weigh the qualities and popularity of the two candidates and their ability to win the 2004 general elections against the “person who can buy delegates for his own parochial interest.

“We are of the view that since our concern is to recapture power in 2004, our choice of Prof Mills- which supersedes that of the delegates should be respected. They reminded the delegates that money cannot solve the problems facing mankind but rather collective decision can easily pave the way for a better future for the country.

The group cautioned the regional executives, whom they suspected of supporting Dr Botchwey, to forget about enriching themselves at the expense of the electorate and “change from that type of chameleon attitudes, which will not save the party.”

They further warned those members of parliament who think they can hide and pretend they support Prof Mills but in reality vouch for Dr Botchwey to be prepared to face challenges in the constituencies during the primaries.

The party gurus were not also spared. The statement advised those of them who are bent on destroying the NDC to stay put or be ready to meet the wrath of the people. According to the group’s own opinion polls, Prof Mills is said to have won 94 per cent of the votes, therefore the group has pleaded with Dr Botchwey to step down for the professor.

Coming to terms with the rules of the game, the spokesman said they would however support Dr Botchwey should he get the nod.