Takoradi, May 29, GNA - A group calling itself the Draft Spio 2008 Movement (DSM) said it was willing to promote and sponsor Dr. Ekwow Spio-Grabrah to contest the 2008 general elections as presidential candidate on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Takoradi on Sunday, Mr Kweku Ampah, spokesperson for the group said, "The status quo within the NDC party must change".

"This change could be perfectly achieved under the leadership of Dr. Spio-Garbrah, who can unify all the various factions within the party," Mr Ampah added.

He stressed that the emergence of several presidential aspirants within the NDC was a good sign and would help the party to strengthen its democratic principles and change the negative public perception about the party.

He said the movement was currently touring all regional capitals and holding series of discussions with party executives on the need to promote Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah as a presidential candidate. Mr Ampah explained that the choice of Dr. Spio-Garbrah was based on his international expertise, courage, vision, initiative and the ability to take risks.

He said Dr. Spio-Garbrah, who had not declared his presidential ambitions yet, needed to be encouraged by well-meaning Ghanaians to assume political leadership and to lead the country on a new development agenda.

Mr Eric Ametor-Quarmyne, Director of Communications of the DSM said the NDC flag bearer position was not the preserve of any individual and the multiplicity of candidates would ensure that the requisite candidate emerges victorious.

He said the DSM has members in Ghana, USA, Europe, South Africa and Australia.

Mr Ametor-Quarmyne said the NDC needed a results oriented leader, who could assist the country to move its development agenda forward. "The new leader needed by Ghana should be visionary, competent, reconciliatory, prepared to take risks and give the country a new direction", Mr Amewtor-Quarmyne added. 29 May 06