Accra, Aug. 1, GNA - Captain Nkrabeah Effah-Dartey (rtd), Member of Parliament for Berekum, on Tuesday officially declared his intention and launched his campaign to contest for the presidential candidature of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Launching his campaign at Nima in Accra, the 53-year old Lawyer and a Former Deputy Interior Minister captured his real intentions in a popular Akan gospel lyrics: "Ma twen Ewurade enim. Wa bre n'aso ase. W'atie me mpaebo" to wit 93I have waited upon the Lord. He has listened to my prayers."

He told hundreds of people, including Party Executives and members wearing NPP Tee Shirts, who thronged the Nima Social Centre that the NPP had laid the foundation for accelerated economic take-off, which required a person, who would bridge the gap between the youth and senior citizens, whose rich experience the country needed.

"We require a hardworking a visionary whose very name will compel our principal opponent to play it fair.

"Our people want and deserve peaceful and free elections so as to strengthen the democratic process. We do not want a breakdown in law and order.

"Given this scenario, I offer myself by the Grace of God as a humble candidate ready to serve my motherland," he said.

Capt Effah-Dartey said he won the ticket of the NPP to contest Election 2008 and led the Party to victory; human resource development, effective local government and strong enforcement of law and order would be his three top most priorities.

He said if he lost the NPP Presidential slot, he would give his total commitment to the winner for the Party to win Election 2008. He traced his political tradition to leaders such as Dr J.B Danquah; Mr Edward Akuffo Addo and Mr William Ofori Atta, who he described as illustrious sons of the nation, who could not stand oppression and suppression.

Capt Effah-Dartey said their tradition was one of recognizing the rights of every Ghanaian to a decent life; the right to own property and to enjoy all the resources that God had given to man freely. He said after nearly six years in power, the NPP had proven beyond doubt that Ghana was better off compared to the time of the previous government.