Accra, May 6, GNA - Former Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama will not contest the New Patriotic Party (NPP's) Presidential primaries, a statement in Accra said on Thursday.

The statement copied to the Ghana News Agency said the announcement "should bring to an end months of speculation as to whether he would or would not run."

It said; "The former Vice President wishes to express his sincere gratitude to family members, friends, supporters and well-wishers who have encouraged him to take part in the contest. Equal gratitude also goes to the many people who frankly asked him not to."

The statement said having served Ghana and the NPP creditably and faithfully as Vice President for two consecutive terms, Alhaji Aliu Mahama preferred to devote his energy at this time towards building a united NPP that would stand behind whoever would be elected presidential candidate in August to prosecute a campaign that would return the party to power in 2012. It appealed to all contestants to play by the rules, bury their differences and work towards achieving one end, which is winning the 2012 elections.

"Alhaji Mahama would also like to state that this statement does not mean that he is bowing out of politics. As long as there is life and good health, he would play any role that God, country and party would demand of him now or in the future." 6 May 10