GHANAIANS MUST VOTE FOR NEW GOVT — MILLS (Daily Graphic, Friday November 21, 2008 PAGE 17)

Professor John Evans Atta Mills, the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has rounded off his four-day campaign tour of the Upper East Region with a call on Ghanaians to vote for a new government.
He said the country needed a new government which would make health care and education accessible to the people, as well as create jobs for the youth and allow people to develop their potential in a congenial atmosphere.
Addressing a rally at the Jubilee Park in Bolgatanga to climax his tour, Prof. Mills gave the assurance that when given the nod he would not discriminate but serve as a president for all Ghanaians.
The rally was addressed by several functionaries of the party, including the National Women’s Organiser, Madam Ama Benyiwa Doe; Mr Ato Ahwoi, Mr Martin Amidu, a former running mate; Mahama Ayariga, Prof. Mills’s spokespersons, Mr Donald Adabre.
Some of the party’s parliamentary candidates were introduced to the gathering.
Prof Mills’ visit to the region took him to the Bolgatanga Constituency, Bawku Central, Binduri, Pusiga, Garu Tempane, Chiana Paga, Navrongo Central and Bawku West constituencies.
Professor Mills blamed the current government for mismanaging the economy, resulting in poverty and unemployment.
According to him, an NDC government when elected to power, would reverse the trend as well as prop up the economy to accelerate the development of the country.
“This is the time we are going to see real development and progress. This is the time we are going to give real jobs to you and make sure we train you and give you the necessary jobs. I am not going to tell you lies or make promises just to get your votes. We know that whatever we say, the good Lord is listening”, he added.
The NDC flag bearer said wherever he went Ghanaians complained about hardships and that only a few people were enjoying.
“I, when elected, will use the resources of this country for the benefit of everybody”, adding that “if it pleases God that I become President of this country, I will be President for all and help every Ghanaian.”
He stressed the need for people in leadership to eschew arrogance and show respect, no matter their stature in life.
Prof. Mills said the country was unfortunately divided: “If you are not an NPP it is as if you are not a Ghanaian. We have people who are using the resources of the country on themselves. They will wait, when there is going to be elections, they will come and give you money to vote for them.
“Let me tell you, the money they are giving you is the taxpayer’s money. Do not accept the money and vote for them because now that you are suffering, nobody knows that you are suffering,” he noted.
He said the NDC when elected would upgrade the Tamale Airport to international status to facilitate international flights. In addition, he said the Tamale Hospital would be upgraded to a teaching hospital.
He restated his call for restraint by NDC activists in the face of provocation.
The NDC presidential candidate reiterated his call for peace, unity and stability during the elections emphasising that that should be the responsibility of every Ghanaian, to guard against violence.
At the University for Development Studies (UDS) campus in Navrongo where he addressed Tertiary Education Institutions Network (TEIN) members he reiterated his party’s commitment to making the UDS the centre of education excellence.
Professor Mills during his tour of the region interacted with some traditional authorities including Naba Martin Abilba III, Paramount Chief of Bolgatanga Traditional Area; Bawku Naba Azoka Abugrago II, Paramount Chief of Bawku Traditional Area and Naba Ibrahim Apakwe-Akutu, Chief of Pusiga.
Others were the Paramount Chief of Paga, and President of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs; Pe Charles Awampaga, the Chief of Zebilla; Naba Aboya Ndego and the Regent of Navrongo, Arthur Belinia Adda all of who wished the professor well.
The regent of Navrongo, Arthur Belinia Adda, commended Prof. Mills for his humility.