Rawlings talks tough: NDC must eschew hypocrisy

Former President Jerry John Rawlings has described as hypocrisy National Democratic Congress (NDC) functionaries who recuse themselves from party activities but scramble for positions when the party is in office.

Addressing teaming supporters at the party's extra-ordinary congress in Kumasi on Thursday, the former army officer minced no words by stating that the NDC could only win the impending general elections if the rank and file restrict themselves to hard-work.

“Those who are sitting in the comfort of their homes waiting for others to travel to the nook and cranny of the country to campaign for them must desist from that and join the campaign trail as soon as possible.

It is important to see them getting a taste of the exercise some of us have been engaged in for several years and see if they can also be efficient. In fact, touring the whole country to campaign is like going through a military training,” Mr. Rawlings asserted.

The party's founder whose speech was intermittently disrupted by the thunderous applauds from the crowd argued that, the level of despondency crippling into the NDC could only be arrested if the noble principles upon which the party was formed was re-embraced.

Continuing, he said people priding themselves in excitement that the NDC was disjointed and be descending to the abyss in no time, would only wake up from their slumber if the leaders render selfless and remain civil in their dealings.

The former president, according to reports, delayed his flight to Ethiopia- amongst other scheduled places- to mourn the late Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi, said President John Mahama succeeding in office would largely depend on how ‘quickly’ he would be able to restore integrity to the presidency.

He seized the opportunity to advice various interest groups in the party to embrace harmony to ensure the cohesion of the party was sustained before, during and after the national elections.

The congress which is formed by 2500 delegates is expected to endorse President Mahama as the party's flag bearer following the death of Professor John Evans Atta Mills in July.