Jake Otanka Obetsebi Lamptey, former Minister for Tourism under the erstwhile New Patriotic Party administration has described the ten months rule of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) as a tragedy to the country.

This is because policies and programmes such as the School Feeding Programme, National Health Insurance Scheme, among others initiated under President John Agyekum Kufuor have been put at risk, he has said. He said the NDC has failed to expand the economy contrary to the expectations of many Ghanaians.

Speaking in an interview with the Patriot yesterday, the former Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the NPP stressed that the confidence of business people have all be eroded due to the bad governance President John Evans Atta Mills has subjected this country to. He therefore noted that it is vital for the NPP to come to power in 2012 to rescue Ghanaian form the hardship being meted out on innocent Ghanaians.

Touching on his intention to contest the national chairmanship position of the NPP, Jake Obetsebi Lamptey, disclosed that his experience in marketing and communication, as well as his capability to manage large group of people puts him ahead of his competitors. Twice successful campaign manager who lead the NPP to victory in 2000 and 2008, Jake said his track records are not in doubt as well as his competence and loyalty to the party.

When given the nod, he promised to put in place strategies and a formidable team that would enable the NPP wrestle power in 2012. He observed that the NDC government is noted for stealing ballot boxes through fair and foul means and assured that the NPP would guide their confidence through vigilance to put an end to that practice.

Jake observed that the 2010 general election would not be a simple task, and added that he will ensure ballot boxes are protected as well as put a stop to the intimidation of the NPP supporters when given the nod as the National chairman of the party.

He expressed optimism that the NPP would win power in 2012 "since we have done it before in opposition and we are going to do it again." Touching on the perceived division in the NPP, he averred that there is no single political party without division.