Accra, July 12, GNA - The National Youth Organiser of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Ludwig Akpene Hlodze, has commended the rank and file of the party for their roles in making last weekend's historic congress a success.

Speaking at the party's headquarters, in Accra, on Monday, he expressed his gratitude on behalf of the young men and women of the party who were at Sunyani to participate in this historic congress.

"We are happy that once again, the youth of our party have demonstrated to the world their belief in the ideals of the NDC," he said, in a statement issued in Accra.

"Indeed, you have demonstrated maturity and sound judgment by accepting the outcome of the congress," Mr Hlodze said. "I wish to congratulate all of you for this great feat. It is in our interest as stakeholders in this party to put the past behind us and march forward towards winning the 2012 elections in unity. This is indeed a celebration of democracy."

He congratulated the Former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, for a good contest that had deepened internal democracy in the NDC.

The National Youth Organiser acknowledged the full participation of the founder, former President Jerry John Rawlings and members of the Council of Elders whose presence and participation at congress, "added colour and inspired the rank and file of the party".

President John Evans Atta Mills polled 96.9 per cent of the votes to beat Nana Konadu for the ticket of the NDC in the 2012 presidential election.

He thanked the media for the good job done and pledged the party's readiness to partner with the media to deepen the democratic process in Ghana.

Mr Hlodze also thanked the security agencies for maintaining peace and order throughout the congress.

The National Youth organizer emphasized that: "Now that the contest is over, it is the hope of the Youth Wing that we will all rally round His Excellency the President and work as one big family towards victory 2012."