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General News of Monday, 6 November 2000

Source: GNA

NDC shows strength in Koforidua

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) demonstrated its strength in the Eastern Region with a massively attended rally at the Jackson Park, Koforidua. As early as 9.a.m thousands of supporters dressed in partly colours started massing up at the park amidst chanting of slogans and songs to express their loyalty and dedication to the party.

It took security personnel a hell of time to control both pedestrian and traffic movement unusual of the hitherto freely flowing traffic within the municipality.

Matters got to a head when party functionaries and dignitaries began arriving at the rally grounds as the anxious crowd were determined to catch a glimpse of President Flt. Lt. J.J. Rawlings and the First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, after their October 29 accident on the Accra-Tema Motorway which claimed the lives of four of the President’s body guards.

The crowd surged forward as the motorcades of Mr. Martin Amidu, Professor Mills and President Rawlings came to the rally ground in that successive order. Speaking at the rally, the President, Flt. Lt. Rawlings said he cherishes the pleasure of serving the ordinary people.

President Rawlings said Ghana has made her mark as the flagbearer of freedom, unity and peace in Africa. This, he said, has now made Ghana retain the confidence that she is the citadel and champion of the democratic process on the continent. He advised Ghanaians to abide by the rules of the Electoral Commission on the December 7, Presidential and Parliamentary elections.

He reminded Ghanaians of the high price they have paid for the maintenance of peace in the sub-region and stressed that the government would not compromise on anyone’s individual’s ambition for political power.

He commended the people for their continued show of loyalty and support for the NDC and expressed the hope that they will vote massively for the party to maintain the peace and stability of the country.

Professor Mills reminded all political parties of their responsibility of ensuring free, fair and transparent elections. He called on all political parties to ensure that the voter’s list is cleared and cleaned to the satisfaction of all contesting parties.

Speaking in English, Akan, Ewe and Hausa, Mr, Martin Amidu, running mate of Professor Mills reminded Ghanaians of the reputation of the opposition politicians who pursued policies, which nearly disintegrated the country. Professor Kwaku Danso-Boafo, Minister of Health, said the government voted ?30 billion for exemptions in the health delivery system