Let's Avoid JJ's Swedru Episode -Akufo-Addo

Aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo, has cautioned members of the party to be guided by the factor that divided the National Democratic Congress (NDC) when former President J.J. Rawlings made a declaration at Swedru, which made Prof. E.A. Atta-Mills his successor.

He said the failure of the NDC to observe democratic principles had been the cause of the party's defeat, and advised against such mistakes within the NPP. The former Foreign Minister said the NPP had over the years respected internal democracy, which had been the bedrock of its successes in governance, and warned that any attempt by groups and individuals in the party to show selfish interests would affect the fortunes of the NPP.

Nana Akufo-Addo was speaking in Ho when he addressed potential party delegates as part of his tour of the Volta Region to seek the mandate of the people to lead the party in the 2008 elections. He reminded party members to take a cue from the Swedru declaration by Mr. Rawlings, a situation he stressed, split the NDC and weakened it. This should be avoided in the NPP, he said.

Nana Akufo-Addo said that the comment by President Kufuor that he did not support any of the aspirants should be respected and be regarded as the true reflection of events within the NPP. "He is my president and I believe him, he cannot lie to the nation," the aspirant declared.

The aspirant stressed that he was the true and committed candidate who would be the victor in the 2008 elections to steer the affairs of the country, adding that the government under President Kufuor had performed well.

"I will not say that in the NPP time, Ghana has transformed into a paradise," he admitted. According to him, when given the mandate to rule, he would work judiciously to improve the national economy, the health sector, education and agriculture which, he emphasised, were relevant in improving the living standard of the people.

The aspirant noted that the presidency was neither a ministerial appointment nor an office for specialists, but a place for people with vision and commitment who were prepared to assess issues globally.

Nana Akufo-Addo explained that he had already acquired enough experience and capacity to handle the affairs of the state because he was involved in resolving conflicts within the Sub-region and beyond, asking, "How can't I do it for my country"?