I am the preferred choice - Oquaye

Hohoe (V/R), July 13, GNA - Professor Mike Oquaye, a New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirant said when elected, his administration would pursue a "party in partnership with government concept" to narrow the "yawning" vacuum between the party and government. He said this would address the purported storm, which was raging among the party's rank and file and foot soldiers, "who are spitting neglect and marginalisation".

Prof Oquaye who was addressing party delegates, Constituency Executives and polling station Chairmen in the Hohoe North and South Constituencies said there would be interplay between party and the government.

He said additionally a "Committee for Ways and Means" responsible for intra-party development would be established from the national through to the district and Constituency levels with institutionalized regular meetings.

Prof Oquaye said a remodelling of the economy would be experienced under his leadership to put the country into its rightful place in the comity of States.

He said irrigation schemes would be prioritized with the production of all-year-round crops, vegetables, cereals and grains. Prof Oquaye said the transportation industry would be refashioned to benefit the private sector on "acquire-work-and-pay" policies with two years' moratorium aimed at economic empowerment and wealth creation. He said he had the capacity and quality in all spheres to match Prof John Evans Attah Mills, the National Democratic Congress flagbearer "boot-for-boot" and would not rest on his oars or past glories but hit the road running.

He said he was part of the conflagration inferno struggle for democracy, which broke the culture of silence to pave the way Constitutional rule in 1992.

Prof Oquaye said he was the preferred choice as the only aspirant who was a founding member and a foundation member privileged to be a constituency chairman.

The Aspirant said he was comfortable with the number of contestants in the presidential race because it was their democratic right to do so. He was optimistic that the NPP would not be the sufferer in the long run and assured that "we shall cross the December Rubicon with closed ranks". 13 Jul. 07