Accra, Jan 6, GNA - The Democratic People's Party (DPP) has sent congratulatory message to President-Elect Professor John Evans Atta Mills; Vice-President-Elect John Mahama, Leaders and rank and file of National Democratic Congress (NDC) on their victory in the recent presidential and parliamentary elections.

The message signed the Presidential Candidate of DPP, Mr T.N. Ward-Brew signed on Tuesday said the victory has given the party a new lease of life with extraordinary import and implications. "It is a renewal of faith and confidence by the Ghanaian people that should be appreciated by all who are familiar with the recent past history of this country. Having ruled the country for nearly 20 years before losing power and being given a new mandate must be to the NDC a historic heart warming tranquillizer. No one can take the joy that goes with the victory away from them.

"However, the NDC needs to be reminded that as historic as their victory might be, it also comes with serious consequences. The NDC bears enormous responsibility not to let the people of Ghana as well the ordinary members of their party down."

The message said: "Your eyes should be wide awake as ever in setting new standards of leadership, selflessness and transparency. Your old but evergreen slogan of "integrity, probity and accountability" should police your actions all the time.

"That party and the people of Ghana could consistently believe in His Excellency Professor John Evans Atta Mills and give him a fourth chance at leadership, which has paid off in the end has no comparison in the history of this country.

"The greater part of the credit also goes to His Excellency, Flight Lt J.J. Rawlings, Former President, who continues to believe in Professor John Evans Atta Mills and stood by him while even the President-Elect's own people in the Central and Western Regions took time to endorse and support him is something that future historians would commend the Former President for.

" From the strategic standpoint, Professor John Evans Atta Mills and the NDC must also acknowledge and appreciate the role of the minority parties, whose participation in the just ended elections forced the re-run and brought about the runoff which gave the chance to the learned Professor to sail through and win.

"Last year's elections were particularly difficult given the last minute obstacles that were put in the way of the political parties to raise the enormous finances involved and participate in the process. "We congratulate all the other political parties whose determined commitment to participate in the elections helped to create the opportunity for His Excellency Professor John Evans Atta Mills and the NDC to achieve their extraordinary victory.

"We hope the learned Professor and the NDC will spearhead the much needed electoral and political reforms to create the congenial atmosphere for all the parties to be able to compete in future elections.

"Credit goes to Professor John Evans Atta Mills as a man whose indefatigable strength kept on renewing itself as he started two years ago with famous house-to-house campaigns. He has to commend himself for a work well done.

The message said: "The only expedient and timely advice the Democratic People's Party (DPP) wishes to give to the learned Professor and the NDC at this early stage when they are about to assume the reins of government is that as much as campaign promises given in the course of political campaigns are important they are not necessarily a matter of life and death.

"The reality out there should be more important than what was said on the campaign trail. It is better to be frank with the people than to embark upon unworkable programmes and policies that pale into insignificance as they come face to face with the stark realities on the ground.

"Being in government is different from being out there in opposition. In government one has the privilege of being confronted with the realities and the figures on the ground. If the realities on the ground are different from what you thought they were, be sincere to admit the fault, apologize and do the right thing. The people would respect you than to be found to be twisting facts. "It is common to hear some insist that they would take government to task on campaign promises. That might be good as long as that position is consistent with the reality on the ground and not vice versa. The situation might be different when a person is already in government and is making those promises. "May the Good Lord Bless and keep the peace in Ghana" the message said. 6 Jan. 08