Party Will Decide Who Leads NDC - Mills

President John Evans Atta Mills has stated that the structures of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) will have to decide who will lead the party in the 2012 elections.

He, however, indicated that he would be very satisfied that he had served God and delivered on his promise to Ghanaians at the end of his tenure.

President Mills made the statement when answering a question as to whether or not he would be satisfied to be a one-term President, due to constant criticism of his administration.

It was during a media encounter dubbed Editors’ Forum, which was attended by senior journalists and editors at the Osu Castle in Accra last Friday.

President Mills, who has declared 2011 as an ‘Action Year’ to build on the foundation laid during the first two years of his administration, said Ghanaians would see completion of major projects during the year.

When asked of his chance of success at the next election, President Mills said Ghanaians would be better judges of his performance, adding, “I’ve learned not to mark my own scripts.”

President Mills, who appeared hale and hearty and stood for more than two-and-a-half hours answering questions with clarity of voice from media persons, said apart from his voice, he had no health problems.

On a lighter note, he asked why some Ghanaian journalists had instantly become physicians and wanted to diagnose and pass comments on his health.

President Mills also acknowledged the wealth of experience gained by former President Jerry John Rawlings and welcomed his criticisms.

President Mills said his administration recognised December 31 as the birthday of the ruling NDC and would encourage members to take part in its celebrations if they decided to do so.

The President also answered questions on the drug situation to which reference was made in recent Wikileaks cables on Ghana and debunked allegations that he indicted some members of his administration.

“I never accused any of my colleagues of being in the drug business,” President Mills said, adding he would have given them up if he knew any of them was in that business.

He said following briefs he received on the drug situation, he expressed reservations on the matter and instructed that a scanner be put at the airport and everyone made to go through checks.

President Mills indicated that his government had always acted in the national interest and expressed the need to strengthen the laws on illegal drugs.

On the issue of former political office holders being tried on alleged corruption, President Mills said investigations were still underway.

President Mills also asked if allegations of corruption were enough to make those political office holders face the firing squad.

— GNA