NDC committed to unity and stability for development

Accra, Oct. 27, GNA - The ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), on Tuesday, reminded its teeming supporters that, the unity and stability of the party and government are cardinal principles for retaining power in Election 2012.

"Therefore, the NDC should continue to stand united and stabile in spite of recent actions by some zealous factionaries, which had the potential of breaching the party's cohesion.

"We need to maintain a united and stabile front, even in the face of extreme provocation, and despite outbursts of unjustifiable hostility, through tolerance, firmness and commitment to our objectives."

This was stated by the NDC Regional Chairmen's Caucus, at the end of a National Stock-taking Conference in Accra. The conference was to appraise the achievements and the party's vision for the future, to enable it to retain power. A statement signed by Mr Kobina Ade-Coker, Chairman of the Caucus made available to the Ghana News Agency, urged all party members and activists to respect the NDC Constitution and use internal structures for redress.

The Regional Chairmen also directed members to adhere to the principles and tenets of the party's Constitution and Conventions on selection of a Presidential Candidate, whilst in Government and in opposition.

"It's unfortunate some of our members are behaving as if we are in opposition. It is time for everyone to get involved once more, with the same sense of urgency and commitment, which carried us through the darkest days.

"We have witnessed a disturbing resurgence of the old style of confrontational politics, both between and within political parties, where the aim is not the common good of our people but the narrow interests of individuals and groups.

"The NDC rejects this style of yesterday's politics, and reiterates its commitment to good and participatory government for the benefit of all our people and for the stable development of our nation. "The NDC have re-emerged as a proud, vibrant and respected political party, but this is not a time to sit back complacently. It is rather a challenge to renew that sense of individual involvement, responsibility and initiative, which is the very bedrock of the NDC," the statement said.

It said: "Now is your opportunity to help the NDC to consolidate all the gains we have made, so that each man, woman and child can fully benefit from the opportunities opening before us. Let us all gather under the proud shade of the 'Akatamanso' to build a Better Ghana". "We further wish to urge all to give their unflinching support to President John Evans Atta Mills and his government, whilst encouraging leading members to be temperate in their pronouncement." The statement reminded the rank and file of the character of the party, which knows no regional, ethnic or religious boundaries but encompasses all Ghanaians, who are united in the conviction that, the only way to a peaceful and prosperous future is to build upon its achievements.

"Our party is democratic because it has its origins in the grassroots participation and the involvement of the ordinary citizens in the responsibility of decision making at the local and national levels. "Our party is a congress because it is the coming together of groups and individuals from diverse backgrounds and political philosophies, who share a common determination to build a stable, just and democratic society, and who believe that the principle of development, through the united participation of all Ghanaians, remains the foundation of our national democratic programme". The Regional Chairmen reminded those creating multiple groups in the name of the party that "the NDC disbanded and prohibited formation of groups, as far back as 2002. It is only the youth and women's wing that are formally affiliated to the party".

Over the last two years, the NDC has worked to deepen prospects for self-sustaining economic growth. To achieve this, we have continued to invest in social and economic infrastructure, and have pursued appropriate fiscal, monetary, legal and other measures to generate the takeoff of a vibrant national economy, the statement concluded.