Accra, Dec. 29, GNA - Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketsia, General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), officially launched his campaign on Monday with a call on members to educate the public about the values and ideals of the NDC.

He said the time had come for everyone in the NDC to view his or her position as a challenge which called for extra commitment to the course of the Party.

Mr Nketsia recounted the numerous challenges the Party faced in 2004 and 2008 and said the ultimate goal was to retain the NDC in power. He urged the delegates to give him the nod as the General Secretary to enable him to continue with his work. Mr Nketsia said Ghanaians would be disappointed when they made the mistake of voting the NDC out of power and urged the supporters to be vigilant.

"This is the time to strengthen the organisational structures of the Party which is critical to our efforts at winning the votes of the majority of the people," he said.

Mr Nketsia said the participation of women in the NDC had not improved due to lack of permanent and independent office structures for both the women and youth wing and promised that when voted as the General Secretary, he would ensure that those structures were put in place.

Dr Kwabena Adjei, National Chairman of the NDC said; "As a party there is the tendency that we may not agree in certain principles but that should not make us say things that are not true about anyone." He said the NDC believed in addressing issues rather than resorting to character assassinations in the press.

He said the NDC would lay structures and make them stronger adding that it was only through effective campaign that would make it successful in 2012.

Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Eastern Regional Minister, urged the delegates to support the winning team and gave the assurance that the region was in full support of both Dr Kwabena Adjei and Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketsia.