Former President John Dramani Mahama has said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) remains the most citizen-friendly and development-oriented political party in Ghana, and must continue to work in the interest of Ghanaians despite losing political power.

In a message to mark the party’s one-year anniversary in opposition, Mr Mahama in a Facebook post said: “One year on after the December 7, 2016 election, I salute all our executives, supporters and sympathisers of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who worked tirelessly during the polls to achieve success for the party. While the outcome was not what we desired, let us thank the Almighty God for his bountiful blessings as we are enjoined to do in all circumstances.

“As we have demonstrated in the period following the elections and a year after the polls, we are a party that believes and has demonstrably exhibited our strong commitment to strengthening our country’s democratic credentials and building a peaceful and stable economy.

“Let’s continue to use the opportunity we are presented with, to work hard and diligently towards the reorganisation of our party as we prepare for the next elections in 2020.

“I am convinced beyond any doubt that our party, the NDC, remains the most citizen-friendly and development-oriented political party in Ghana and we must continue to work in the interest of the Ghanaian People.”

The NDC and Mr Mahama lost the 7 December 2016 elections to then-opposition leader, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP).