PNC Is The Gov't In Waiting - Dr Mahama

The Leader of the People's National Convention (PNC), Dr Edward Mahama says the party has no desire to merge or affiliate with any political party in future.

He said "The PNC is standing solid, we are the government in waiting now, NDC failed and they were voted out, NPP is failing and they would be voted out. However, "if the party wins the presidential election with minority in Parliament, it would clinch ties with a third party to form a government?. Dr Mahama declared the party's stand in an interview at Bolgatanga. He said the party does not regret supporting the NPP in the 2000 elections to unseat the NDC, adding that, "the support was given to achieve a goal, which was perfectly achieved."

Dr Mahama said the PNC has not seen the government making any headway in alleviating poverty, which is rife and putting the economy back on track. He mentioned lack of subsidies for farmers, failure in abolishing the cash and carry system and job creation as promised in the party's campaign. The PNC leader expressed concern about the President's trips abroad and said, "if I were the presidency of Ghana, I would have visited farms, schools and hospitals instead of spending most of my time travelling?.

He was also not happy that Ghana seems to be relying on foreign aid, adding that, such reliance is dangerous and unproductive. Dr Mahama agreed to the suggestion that District Chief Executives should be elected, saying, "when they are elected they would look up to the electorate and be answerable to them, whereas when appointed they dance to the President's tunes. Dr Mahama insisted that the poverty alleviation fund is disbursed on party lines favouring NPP supporters.