Akuffo-Addo warns against "Swedru Declaration"

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, an aspiring New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer has reiterated his call to the party to be guided by the former President Jerry Rawlings "Swedru Declaration" which he said still hunts the National Democratic Congress (NDC). "We must ensure that the tragedy which befell the NDC and its flagbearer Professor John Evans Atta Mills do not happen to our great tradition". Nana Akufo-Addo was speaking at a meeting with party executives, delegates and opinion leaders from fourteen constituencies in the Greater Accra Region where he interacted with them as part of his campaign. He said 2008 elections was going to be unique for the NPP because the party was going to the polls with a new candidate who would have to compete with a formidable candidate from their opponents. He said the party must elect somebody who is not only popular among the NPP but also would be able to win over the floating voters to ensure victory in 2008 general elections. "We have make sure that our transition hands over the reigns of power to another NPP government," he added. Nana Akuffo-Addo also said delegates must elect an aspirant with a strong NPP background who knew the difficulties the party and members had gone through in the past as well as a leader with a vision who could inspire the people to development. He said the party needed a capable leader who can marshal the strong party structures to win the 2008 crucial elections. The former Foreign Minister also denied media reports that he was arrogant and did not respect the foot soldiers of the party. He said his detractors who did not have any message to convince the delegates to vote for them were going about smearing him with falsehood. He assured the delegates that the various constituencies in the region would be equipped with the necessary facilities to ensure that the party increased the sixteen seats that they won to twenty-two seats. Nana Akufo-Addo expressed concern about the disillusionment within the rank and file of the party, which he promised to tackle as a way of strengthening party and government relationship.