UE NDC CONSOLES RAWLINGSES (PAGE 16, MARCH 2, 2010)

Supporters of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Upper East Region have been empathising with the former first family since the February 14, 2010 fire incident that destroyed property at their Ridge residence.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic in Bolgatanga, the Regional Youth Organiser of the NDC, Mr Robert Yeli-Oni, described the incident as rather unfortunate and urged the former President, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, and his family to remain strong in the face of the massive loss of age-old property and family memorabilia.
They were, however, thankful to God that no human life was lost and prayed that the Good Lord would continue to strengthen them and provide them with comfort.
The Regional Youth Organiser said the entire NDC family in the Upper East under the leadership of the Regional Chairman, Alhaji Mumuni Bolnaba, was solidly behind the former First Family in their period of grief and that their prayers were with the founder of the party and his family.
While expressing their sympathy for the former First Family, the Regional Youth Organiser of NDC also debunked assertions by a social commentator and NPP activist, Nana Darkwa, on an Accra-based radio station to the effect that former President, Flt. Lt. Jerry Rawlings intentionally set fire to his own residence, and described the utterance as frivolous and unwarranted.
In a related development, the Regional Youth Wing of the NDC has congratulated the newly appointed ministers of state, especially those from the Upper East Region who were recently sworn into office by the president, Professor John Mills.
Mr Yeli-Oni, in a congratulatory message, expressed the hope that Messrs John Akologu Tia, MP for Talensi, who is now the Minister for Information, and Mr Martin Amidu, a Builsa, who is now the Minister for the Interior, and others would use their political experience, not only to assist the President to achieve the Better Ghana Agenda but also promote the interest and welfare of the youth in the region.
He was also hopeful that parliament would soon endorse the appointment of Mr Mahama Ayariga to enable him to contribute his quota to the development of the country.