The euphoria that characterised the launch of the 2016 campaign of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) is an indication that the party is presenting a united force in this year’s presidential and parliamentary elections, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Deputy Minister of Education (Tertiary), has said.

On Sunday August 14, the NDC launched its campaign for the elections in the Cape Coast Sports Stadium in the Central Region, with some 40,000 members in attendance, including President John Mahama, Vice President Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur, and former President Jerry John Rawlings.

During his speech, Mr. Rawlings, who is the founder of the NDC said the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) could not be underestimated in this year’s elections.

“…There are certain weaknesses that we need to deal with. Let me just give you one point: …The NPP cannot be underestimated, you know it and I know it. They have been in existence for a long time and they have been changing their name up till this day. The nature of who they are, what they are, where they have come from, is something they are happy with and they will be there for a long time. The calculation I want to put before you is that by virtue of who and what they are, their mannerism, their character will necessarily give rise to what you and I are in the NDC.

President Mahama on his part said: “We’ve put the worst of the power crisis behind us…we’ve balanced supply against demand…we’ve done a lot but a lot more remain to be done…”

He added that his government’s investment in socio-economic infrastructure of the country was part of the agenda to put money in the pockets of Ghanaians.

“In the four years of my stewardship, Ghana has earned respect in the international arena,” Mr. Mahama added.

Mr. Ablakwa after the event tweeted: “Thank God for an amazing campaign launch. We present a united and formidable platform focused on transforming Ghana.”

Thank God for an amazing campaign launch. We present a united and formidable platform focused on transforming Ghana. pic.twitter.com/g9QZQSNu3h

— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) August 14, 2016