NPP flays Mills’ campaign tactics

The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party, Mr Lord Commey, has taken exception to the campaign message of National Democratic Congress flagbearer John Evans Atta Mills, based on a message of caring for the welfare of Ghanaians, arguing that it was unlikely to fly in the 2008 elections.

Mr Commey stated that it is not enough for a flagbearer to announce his presence and probably respond to cheers, pointing out that the most important thing is the message.
He said Prof Mills' campaign tour to some target groups to canvass for votes was nothing new in the country because every political party will reach out to identifiable groupings such as the GPRTU, students, and market women.

According to Mr Commey, elections are about presenting alternatives to better people's lives and if you are a candidate you should have something to show rather than vague promises.

Even though the ruling NPP is yet to elect its flagbearer, their National Organiser told The Statesman newspaper that the party was not bothered at all by the "so-called house to house campaign" embarked upon by the NDC flagbearer, adding, "the NPP campaign machinery is on course and the election of a flagbearer is just a small part of a whole campaign strategy."

Sounding confident, Lord Commey disclosed that the NPP as an organisation having recognised that election is a process started its campaign far ahead and that it does not matter much who emerges a flagbearer of the party.

"You don't sit down doing nothing and wait for a presidential candidate to be elected, that would be too late," he said.

Explaining further, he said his party's campaign strategy is in phases, including putting firm structures on the ground, and training and equipping party agents.

Commenting on the proposed debate among the 19 NPP presidential aspirants, Mr Commey said although the idea was worth considering, it would not significantly affect the party's fortunes in the general elections. He said: "Whether we hold a debate or not does not take away our internal democratic principles which have stood the test of time."

Credit: The Statesman