Accra, June 23, GNA - The Gaza Association, a gender-based pressure group within the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) based in the Northern Region, on Monday called on the flag bearer of the party to consider Lepo-Wura Mohammed Nuru Deen Jawula as his running mate. A statement to the Ghana News Agency in Accra signed by Ms. Ramatu Mahama described Lepowura Jawula as "the man with the best all round capabilities" that would make Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's work of clinching the Presidency double sure.

She therefore urged Nana Akufo-Addo to consider Lepo-Wura Jawula for his vast experience working all around the country and abroad that puts him ahead of all other contenders.

Ms. Mahama on behalf of the Gaza Association listed the credentials of Alhaji M. N. D. Jawula as an administrator and a public servant and a traditional man from the Salaga area.

She said Alhaji Jawula worked in several districts including Walewale, Tolon-Kunbugu, Tamale Metropolis and at the Irrigation Development Authority also in Tamale, and this would definitely attract needed votes from the north.

"The Ghana Football Association GFA and the entire football public in Ghana and Africa also benefited immensely from the ingenuity of Alhaji Jawula when he served the organization as Chairperson on two occasions," she noted.

"With these credentials, coupled with the fact that the Lepo-Wura is a good organizer and team player, he will be able to pull voters from other parties as well as hanging-voters to the NPP to cement their victory in the 2008 election," said the Gaza Women's group. She said, Lepowura Jawula, who is the current Chief Director of Ministry of Health, had also served at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, was the Vice Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the Ghana 2008 African Cup of Nations Football tournament and is currently a member of several Committees of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Ms. Mahama said Lepowura Jawula's mother is Ga and his father is from Gonjaland and had his early upbringing at Cowlane and Accra New Town.

She therefore urged all NPP loyalists to support the candidature of Alhaji Jawula for the number two post.

Ms. Mahama said Election 2008 was crucial and they must work to maximize their strength on the ground, especially from the floating voters.