Professor John Evans Atta Mills, former Vice President campaigning to be elected presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2004 elections, at the weekend said he recognised the importance of journalists to make accurate and unbiased presentation of events.

"We need the press at all times to feed the public with information on events but most importantly I would partner those who present fair and balanced reportage."

Prof Mills said this at Bolgatanga at a press soiree to round off his five-day tour of the Upper East Region to solicit the mandate of the party's delegates at the impending congress.

He conceded that when in power the NDC was not being too open to the press and said it was not strange that the practice was continuing even with a different party in power, "but we have learnt to correct ourselves," he said.

He said similarly, when the NPP was in opposition, it worked closely with the media, "but it is not so now, and we have learnt lessons," he added.

Prof Mills commended media practitioners especially those in the Upper East and Upper West Regions for making accurate and fair presentation of his visit.

Earlier, Prof Mills visited Nabdam, Talensi and Bolgatanga constituencies to canvas for votes of delegates to the congress.

He repeated his call for the NDC to unite to make the party stronger to win the 2004 general elections.

"I call on all those aggrieved by the actions and inactions of our own members to put the past aside and let us work together for victory in 2004," he said.