Cape Coast, Oct 27, GNA - The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential candidate, Professor John Evans Atta Mills on Monday expressed concern about the current "polarization of the country" and pledged to unite the nation under his administration to help her forge ahead in development.

"I will be the President of all Ghanaians," he declared, adding that he will ensure total development of the country. Prof. Mills, who expressed these concerns during an interaction with members of the Central Regional House of Chiefs in Cape Coast, said the region in particular lagged behind in development and pledged that his administration would not share the national cake along party lines. According to the NDC flagbearer, it was sad that the virtues of truth, humility and the fear of God were gradually eroding from "our society", adding that it would not only be unjustifiable for any political party to wrestle power through bloodshed, but it would also not attract the blessings of God.

He urged members of the party to be vigilant and convince people of the party's capabilities in order to attract them into their fold. He told the NDC party supporters and faithful to refrain from any acts of violence because "we are one people with one nation". Prof Mills further expressed concern about the rising abuse of hard drugs such as cocaine and heroine, the upsurge of armed robbery, the lack of jobs among others, which he said had become a matter of concern to Ghanaians who are now calling for a change in government to help save the situation.

On his plans to ensure development in the country, Prof. Mills mentioned among others, the improvement of the agricultural and educational sectors, and the economy as a whole. On agriculture, he said a buffer stock management agency will be put in place to buy excess food items during bumper harvest to store against lean seasons, while pair-trawling activities will be curtailed by strictly enforcing the fisheries laws.

He also spoke of plans to revive the industrial sector to create more jobs, and described as unfortunate, the current situation whereby "virtually everything" was being imported into the country to the detriment of local industries, resulting in their collapse. On chieftaincy, he reiterated that his administration would not meddle in chieftaincy affairs, but rather support chiefs to facilitate their development.

The president of the house, Nana Kwamina Ansah III, in his welcoming address said the forthcoming election was "vital to the consolidation of democracy in the country", and called on all citizens to play their part well to ensure its success. He therefore appealed to all politicians to endeavour to place the interest of the nation first and refrain from making inflammatory statement that will spark violence amongst their supporters and their opponents.