Dr Kwesi Botchwey, former Finance in the PNDC administration at the weekend, disclosed he spent a colossal amount of about 500m cedis in preparation towards his flagbearership bid for the NDC, which he lost to Prof John Mills, the other contestant.

Speaking in an interview with “The Evening News” at a “Thank you Party” he organised for the media and his supporters, Dr Botchwey explained he not regrets over whatever expenditure he incurred because his participation in the race helped to deepen internal democracy in the NDC.

Wearing an immaculate white short sleeves shirt, a pair of black trousers and a wine coloured cowboy hat, the former Finance Minister said the NDC had really embraced internal democracy although a lot more needed to be done.

He declared his intention to settle in Ghana and help the party to recapture power come the 2004 elections.

Asked about his political future, Dr Botchwey with broad smiles said he would for now remain a low profile member of the NDC who would be deply involved in rebuilding the structures of the party.

According to him, a lot of work needed to be done at the grass root level of the party if internal democracy would be sustained and made transparent. Asked if he would contribute financially towards Prof Mills’ campaign for the 2004 elections, Dr Botchwey said he did not have the resources to single-handedly finance the party.

He said it was essential that members of the NDC pool their resources to do that work instead of looking up to few individuals. Dr Botchwey said “each member of the party must work very hard if the party is to win the elections,” adding that the chances of Prof Mills winning the elections depended very much on the campaign strategies he and his team will adopt.

He recalled with some nostalgia some events during the campaign period and on the day of the congress, which saw him losing overwhelmingly to Professor Mills.

He mentioned in particular his interaction with former President Rawlings, who is also the founder of the party, saying, that was the first time he met the founder over since he decided to contest for the flagbearership.

According to him, former President Rawlings’ response was “very cordial” and he was looking forward to meeting him again. The party was well attended with notable personalities associated with Dr Botchwey’s camp present.

Among them were Kweku Baah, Vice Chairman of the NDC, Baba Jamal, Deputy General Secretary, Iddrisu Haruna, National Youth Organiser, Mike Gizo, Dr Mustapha Ahmed and Madam Faustina Nelson.

Others were Ofosu Ampofu, National Organiser, George Quaynor-Mettle, Dr Ayirebi-Acquah and some Members of Parliament including Ms Akua Dansua.