Dr Kwesi Botchwey, an aspiring flag bearer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Wednesday, declared that he would use his expertise in finance and law to turn the economy round if he won the contest to lead the party for victory in the next general elections.

Expressing optimism that the party would elect him in December, Dr Botchwey observed that although he could have retired on his income at Harvard University to enjoy the "fruits of his labour", he could not "while the people suffer and his beloved party stays in opposition".

He was speaking at Cape Coast when he met representatives of the various constituencies of the party in the Central Region.

He said the NDC would win the 2004 elections because "Ghanaians have noticed the difference between the government of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the NDC".

"The electorates are eager to have us back in government, but it behoves on us to work harder by strengthening the party at the grassroots and choose a new leader with a vision, who will also respect his followers", he said, declaring, "there is real war ahead of us".

He said he would ensure that members of the party who defected return into the fold in addition new enrolments.

Dr Botchwey expressed regret that "some people with a hidden agenda", were wagging a negative campaign against him to thwart his efforts of helping to build a new image for the party.

The former Finance Minister pledged to undertake "a clean campaign devoid of indecency and indiscipline" in order to protect the image of the NDC, adding that, he was not in the race to divide the party or go against his contender, Professor John Evans Atta Mills.

Mr Mike Gizo, manager of the Dr Botchwey campaign team, underscored the need for the party to work hard to win the next elections and urged all faithful members to unite to ensure victory.

The Regional NDC Secretary, Mr Paul Koomson, appealed to members to be disciplined and eschew all forms of divisive tendencies, to enable the party to achieve its objective.