Dr Kwesi Botchwey, former Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, has made it plain that he has nothing against ex-President Rawlings.

"I have not spoken any ill of him. I have not spoken any ill of him. I am an open-minded person, who is prepared to work with everybody in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party," he stated.

Dr Botchwey was speaking to newsmen shortly after he arrived in Accra from the United States of America (USA).

He, however, declined to make further comments on his relationship with the ex-President. Answering questions from newsmen, the former Finance Minister said he would restore a good working relationship both within the party hierarchy and outside the party.

He stated categorically that he is a card bearing and paid up member of the NDC and that he was prepared to unify, strengthen and help democratise the party in his bid to contest the 2004 presidential elections.

He said his decision to contest the presidential slot was in response to numerous calls from the party supporters who felt that he was the right person to lead it in the 2004 elections.

"I am aware of the many challenges that face our nation and I think as a man of vast experience, I am the right person to offer this service," he said. According to Dr Botchwey, he would shortly launch his campaign for the NDC presidential slot at a news conference to be organized later.

He gave the assurance that he had come to bring his experience and expertise to bear on the country's socio-economic and political development.

On the question of his relationship with Professor J.E.A. Mills, he said they were school mates and that he had great respect for him and hoped that the right playing field would be created for both of them at the congress to determine who leads the party in 2004.

Dr Botchwey, when asked whether his relationship with Dr Obed Asamoah had any influence on his decision to contest, replied in the negative and said the only time he saw Dr Asamoah physically was between 1994-1995, shortly before he left for abroad.

He, however, commended Dr Asamoah for instilling democratic culture in the NDC since he assumed its Chairmanship. He assured his supporters that, "I will be on my own, an independent thinking person who would listen to the voice of the people".

He commended his numerous supporters who thronged the Accra Airport in party colours and 'T'-shirts with his effigy to welcome him. Some of the National Executives of the NDC and Members of Parliament including Dr Mustapha Ahmed, MP for Ayawaso and Mr Sam Garba, former PNDC Secretary, were at the Airport.