Accra, Dec.31, GNA- Vice President Alhaji Mahama at the weekend rebuffed media reports that he had resigned from active politics, saying he would remain focused in office as the number two man of the country. Referring to his unsuccessful bid to lead the ruling New Patriotic Party at the December 22 delegates' congress of the party, he said as a Vice President he still functions as a political figure and would continue to do so as long as Allah gives him the strength to carry on. Vice President Mahama, who was interacting with members of the Presidential Press Corps, at his campaign office in Accra said media reports that quoted him as saying he was quitting politics took him out of contest.

" As a Vice President, I have to remain in office till January 7, 2009, so how can I say I am quitting politics? It is too early to talk about my political future."

He said he had gained so much experience as a Vice President and it was only prudent for him to put it at the disposal of Ghana. Vice President Mahama said he had a large constituency of supporters who he would disappoint if he disappeared from the political scene.

Vice President Mahama said he would expend his energy to campaign for the flagbearer of the NPP, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo to win the 2008 General Election.

He stressed: "I pledged my support to him and I would deliver." Commenting on the results of the delegates congress, where he attracted 146 votes, he said the numbers came to him as a shock because he had carried himself well so far as a Vice President and had served President John Agyekum Kufuor faithfully and loyally.

On a humorous note he said: " I won bronze but I should have captured the gold because I worked very hard for it." He however, congratulated the delegates for their good judgement, saying at the end of the day it was democracy and the will of the people that carried the day.