Accra, Ghana (PANA) - Ghana's ruling party on Saturday endorsed Vice- President John Evans Atta Mills as its candidate in the December presidential election.

The National Democratic Congress's endorsement Mills at Ho, 180 km north of Accra, marks the beginning of the end of the era of President Jerry Rawlings who has dominated Ghana's politics since 1979 when he led a successful putsch as a young airforce officer.

There was no surprise as Mills was the only candidate and the huge crowd roared in appreciation as his name was read out as the party's candidate.

Mills, a former law professor, in his acceptance speech said he would guarantee a nation of equal opportunities for every Ghanaian in education, health and politics.

He said he would seek the mandate of Ghanaians in December to build on the foundation of democracy and development initiated by Rawlings.

"I shall form a new government with a team of experienced and skilful people.

"I shall draw the experience of both the old and the new in close consultation with the party leadership.

"There will be no pre-arranged positions and personal agreements", he said, to prolonged applause.

Praising Rawlings for his excellent leadership and dedication to the nation, which he described as "sometimes unorthodox, but never self-glorifying," Mills promised to continue with his legacies.

"President Rawlings has said that he will not go anywhere when he leaves office and we will not allow him to go anywhere. I have benefited immensely from his strong personality and charisma, which led Ghana into a democracy that we are all proud of."

To Rawlings, he said: "I will be knocking at your door morning, noon and night and you will always be a valued friend and good adviser."

Mills talked about the present economic problems, which he said were foreseen last year. He said that there would be restructuring which would include increased agricultural production, diversification of exports and the adoption of tough measures to halt the importation of goods produced locally.

"Our objective will be to reduce by half the percentage of incomes that Ghanaians spend on food, but my priority will be on education.

"As an academic and a teacher, you will expect me to say this, but if Ghana is to lead Africa in quality education in a knowledge-based global society, then all the talents in every corner of the country must be harnessed and developed."

Supporting Rawlings' earlier call for greater opportunities for women in the party and at the national level, Mills said there will be greater proportion of women with the requisite qualification, ever than before.

He praised the security agencies for their contribution to national development. "We will continue to invest in you to maintain peace and stability, fight crime and protect our territorial integrity."