Accra, Sept. 10, GNA - Mr Dan Lartey, flag bearer for the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP), has expressed disappointment at the criticism of Former President Jerry Rawlings for meeting with ex-security chiefs.

In an interview with GNA, Mr Lartey said there was nothing wrong with Mr Rawlings meeting ex-security personnel saying, "since he has been president before and is also a citizen of this country he has every right to talk to anyone he so desires and share his opinion".

He said Mr Rawlings was the only president who had ruled the country for a long time and therefore had a lot of experience. About his party's preparation towards this year's election, he said they were ready and had put everything in place to ensure victory come December.

"I have convinced enough people throughout the country to vote for me."

Mr Lartey said he was waiting to file his nomination papers before his party started active campaign even though he had launched his campaign already.

Concerning the selection of his running mate, he said since a running mate was to be an assistant to the flag bearer, he would make sure his choice would be based on somebody who would support his vision and work tirelessly to ensure victory.

Mr Lartey said ethnicity and gender should not be the basis of the choice of a running mate since the ability of the person to deliver was what mattered most.

He also condemned the recent clashes between supporters of the NPP and NDC saying they were a disgrace to the country's democracy. Mr Lartey also commented on the stranded Ghanaians in China and said Ghana's mission in China was not doing enough to help them.