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Politics of Thursday, 31 July 2014

Source: Samuel Ablordeppey

I did not join race to rock the boat - Portuphy

Aspiring National Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Kofi Portuphy has stated that his aim is to ensure party unity and inspire hope among the rank and file of the party.? He said when "given the opportunity to assume the chairmanship position of the NDC; I will work to build a strong party that can stand the test of time."

?The National Coordinator for the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) was a guest on 60 minutes on Radio Gold hosted by Alhassan Suhuyini. ?According to him, the mark of a good leader is sacrifice, and the ability to build bridges, as well as inspire hope.

"Uncle Pee" as he is affectionately called, was of the view that the seeming disenchantment in the party is as a result of disregard for former officers of the party.

"I am committed to bringing on board all aggrieved party members, big or small, including former executives across board to build a strong, attractive and a more viable party; via building on the successes and achievements of former executives. ?Unity of purpose, teamwork and discipline are among my cardinal principles.

Contrary to the argument in some quarters to the effect that "we don't change a winning team," Kofi Portuphy stated unequivocally that "I am part of the winning team. "

I am the director of elections for the party. I took the Electoral Commission to court together with Rojo Mettle Nunoo and others after the 2004 elections which the New Patriotic Part (NPP) won under very bizarre circumstances. I have trained party people including agents among others.

The vice chairman of the NDC is regarded by the rank and file of the party as a unifier, Mobilizer, accessible, humble, affable, decisive, people-centred, a grass root man, which many who called into the programme hailed as some of his credentials that put him ahead of the other challengers.

"I have not joined the chairmanship race to rock the boat. It's a democratic contest which I am in to win," he stated.