Accra, April 9, GNA - Leading members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Wednesday hailed the naming of Mr. John Dramani Mahama, a communication expert, to partner Professor John Evans Atta Mills for Elections 2008.

In an interview with Ghana News Agency, Mr. Fiifi Kwetey, NDC Propaganda Secretary, described the team as good omen and a "sure winnable ticket" for the party.

"John (Mahama) has the ability to attract the youth, women, and a cross section of the voting public as well as the rank and file of the NDC supporters, and would effectively complement the credentials of Prof Mills," he said.

Mr. Danny Annang, Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the NDC, said the choice was based on broad consultation with the leadership of the party and the foot soldiers.

Mr. Mahama was chosen from a team, including Mrs Betty Mould-Iddrisu and Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni.

"All the three named personalities were credible and capable in their own rights but now we are forming a winning team, a team to attract votes from all regions, irrespective of tribal persuasions, gender inclination or religious affiliations," Mr. Annang said.

"John is a fine gentleman from the north who appeals to all Ghanaians including the media and the youth. He also has the ability to woo the media to listen to the NDC."

Mr. Annang debunked the notion that the selection of Mr. Mahama meant a rejection of the gender advocacy, stressing that Prof. Mills had already indicated that women would constitute 40 per cent of his Government.

Mr. Sekou Nkrumah, son of the first President Dr Kwame Nkrumah, described Mr. Mahama as the NDC's diplomatic passport to reach out to the media, mostly the so-called anti-NDC journalists. Professor Mills on Wednesday informed the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party that his choice of running mate was Mr. Mahama, MP for Bole-Bamboi. According to NDC officials the NEC unanimously endorsed Mr. Mahama's nomination. Weeks before the announcement, there had been heated public debate about who Prof. Mills' running mate would be.