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General News of Monday, 14 January 2008

Source: --

Veep wants to be Veep again?

Veep asks NPP flagbearer to be open-minded

Accra, Jan. 14 - Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama on Monday asked the Presidential Candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo to be broad minded, in order not to be swayed by rumour mongering.

Vice President Mahama who made the request, when he interacted with the flagbearer at his official residence in Accra, said hearsay had its own dangers since it could lead to pettiness. He noted that people often tend to breed seeds of disharmony among politicians in order to win personal favours and described himself as a victim of such a political ploy.

Vice President Mahama said as a flagbearer with large following, Nana Akuffo-Addo should do broad consultation before he took any decision in order to avoid such pitfalls.

He observed that contrary to public perception that Nana Akufo-Addo was arrogant and disrespectful, he knows him as a humble man who believes in law and order and therefore respects authority. "I have told people that Nana Akufo-Addo is one person who has accorded me so much respect as a Vice President when he was a Minister. "Fortunately God has given him the honour to lead the NPP and this calls for the support of the party to win power." Vice President Mahama said teamwork was very necessary since NPP could not afford to lose Election 2008.

Nana Akufo-Addo said the Vice President had been his friend for the past 15 years and did not doubt his competence as the number two man of the country.

His contributions during cabinet meetings had contributed towards the success of the NPP, stressing: " I cannot do without him. He is a critical figure."

"Alhaji Aliu Mahama has a role to play in the campaign, the future government of the NPP and the party. I cannot go forward in great strength without Aliu."

Nana Akufo-Addo said he was tapping all the talents in the NPP to ensure a resounding victory for the NPP.

Dr Amoako Tuffour, a former member of the Vice President's campaign team for the presidential bid of the NPP called for the winning of hearts, souls and minds of every member of the party to ensure victory in the General Election.

He said building party unity was a process that must be accelerated since time was of essence.