NDC game plan out today

Ghana's largest opposition party, the National Democratic Congress, will this afternoon outdoor what senior party officials describe as the new face of the NDC, with the launch of the party's campaign for this year's epic elections.

In a bid to add more bite to the party's claim of newness, the occasion will also be used to officially outdoor John Dramani Mahama as flagbearer John Evans Atta Mills' running mate in the December polls, as well as members of his campaign team.

And, perhaps taking a leaf from the New Patriotic Party's Alan Kyerematen, who returned to his party last week after earlier resigning, estranged NDC sons like P V Obeng, Kojo Tsikata, Goosie Tandoh, Totobi Quakyi, Kwesi Botchway and some other high profile personalities are expected to make a grand return to the fold of the NDC.

Snippets of information picked up by The Statesman indicate the "I Care For You' mantra beloved by flagbearer Prof Mills is likely to be replaced with 'The New Deal.' The party's new logo, image, colours and messages would also be outdoored, The Statesman understands.

Former President Jerry John Rawlings, Founder of the NDC, is expected to address the party members.

Prof Mills, NDC General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, and National Chairman Kwabena Adjei, are also billed to address the conference, to be held at the National Theatre at 1pm.

Already, major streets in the capital city have been decorated in NDC colours. According to NDC sources, there will a float through the principal streets of Accra that will culminate in a boisterous entry to the National Theatre.

A statement issued by the party in Accra indicated that the launch would serve as an opportunity to introduce John Mahama, and to "roll out the party's agenda and vision of a better Ghana to our beloved country men and women."

As at press time, the National Executive members of the party, the highest decision making body, were meeting to put finishing touches to the launch plan.

Events after the launch are expected to be interesting, especially with regards to the direction and focus of the party's campaign, as the vigorously projected independence of Prof Mills would be put to severe test.

Already, party Founder Jerry John Rawlings and his spouse are unamused by the choice of the Bole Bamboi MP as Prof Mills' running mate, preferring instead, Betty Mould Iddrissu, Director of Legal Services at the Commonwealth Secretariat and one time Ghana's Copyright Administrator.

So far, the NDC is the only party to have chosen a running mate, having elected a flagbearer in December 2006.

By slarge