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13.11.2000 General News

Election2000: NDC shakes Tarkwa

13.11.2000 LISTEN
By Daily Graphic

THOUSANDS of supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at the weekend thronged the Tarkwa park for a mammoth rally sending signals to the party’s opponents that it still has a firm grip in the Western Region.

The rally climaxed the four-day visit by the Vice-President and flagbearer of the NDC Professor J.E.A Mills to parts of the region.

The crowd, most of them clad in the party’s colours and waving party paraphernalia trickled to the park amid singing, drumming and chanting of party slogans causing traffic jam in some parts of the township especially around the grounds by mid-day.

Most of the supporters who milled around the park moved in when the Vice-President, Prof. Mills arrived for the event.

The stadium was set agog when the President, Flt. Lt. J.J. Rawlings’ motorcade was spotted with him in the open top vehicle responding to cheers from the crowd which temporarily disrupted an address by Mr Kwamena Ahwoi, Minister responsible for Planning and Regional Integration.

Moments later, the crowd was nearly dispersed by threats of a downpour but President Rawlings, displaying his usual charisma and crowd pulling shows stepped onto the platform with the wife defying the showers that had begun.

And as he started to speak, the crowd was attracted back defying the showers which was soon to stop.

President Rawlings recounted series of both violent physical and verbal attacks mounted by some opposition elements as well as lies spread about his wife and NDC supporters, especially the recent one caused by inflammatory remarks and lies by the NPP parliamentary candidate for Berekum, resulting in injuries to NDC supporters at Suynani.

He described such opposition and media lies as not only wicked and mischievous but also potentially more damaging and harmful than guns.

President Rawlings criticised the National Media Commission (NMC) for its silence over such attacks and false information spread by the opposition and some media about himself, his wife and members of government.

He commended Ghanaians for their tolerance and support and helping in making the country to stand out tall on the continent and urged them to maintain such high levels of integrity.

He further asked them to demand a change that will only maintain their hard-won political and economic freedom and direction and advised them to uphold the truth and not to entrust their destiny into the hands of those who will hide the truth from them and betray their cause.

He said they will live to regret if they made the grievious mistake of carving in to opposition lies to win their votes.

President Rawlings also reminded them of the threats of violence by some people during and after the elections should they fail to win the December 7 polls and stated that the havoc and chaos such situations have been wrecked on people is such unfortunate circumstances that are so real and not be underestimated.

He called on the management of the Ghana Railway Corporation to explain to Ghanaians that he was not playing politics with the improvement in railway network in the country and that currently the government has been in close contact with a foreign consortium which has agreed to extend the line to neighbouring countries.

He called on the people to vote massively for Prof. Mills since he has the capabilities and competence to carry out the positive changes initiated and in the supreme interest of peace and development.

On his part, Prof. Mills re-assured that the NDC Government will ensure that the elections are free, fair and transparent and called on Ghanaians to assist the Electoral Commission in discharging its statutory duties.

He said he owes a responsibility to all Ghanaians in safeguarding their interest and fundamental rights.

Prof Mills said the NDC has not discriminated against any group of people but has seen to the equal development of the country.

Mr Martin A.B.K. Amidu, Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice and running mate of Prof Mills called on Ghanaians to only vote for the NDC which stands for the truth and the prosperity of the country because the government has demonstrated greater commitment to the welfare of the people.

Other speakers included Madam Faustina Nelson, Co-Viceperson, Alhaji Huudu Yahaya, General Secretary, Alhaji Inusah Issakah , all of the NDC.

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