Aflao, Oct. 20, GNA - Mr John Mahama, Presidential Running-Mate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Sunday launched "operation maximize the votes in the Volta Region," targeting between 90 and 99 percent of the region's votes for the Party in December. Mr Mahama, who addressed rallies at Agbozume, Denu and Aflao reassured the people that they would be greatly rewarded by a government of the NDC.

He said though signs of NDC's victory in the December elections were obvious, the Party would not be complacent. He said a government of the NDC would give Ghanaians equal opportunities to contribute their quota to national development no matter their political or ethnic affiliations. He alleged that currently, the NPP was practicing a "policy of selective opportunity for the few people close to government, leaving the majority frustrated, deprived and poor". "My own relative was victimized leading to the collapse of his timber business, throwing about 300 workers out of job. We cannot build Ghana this way," he stated. He said a government of the NDC would ensure an absolute free and compulsory free basic education, run a free textbook scheme and address the welfare of teachers.

Mr Mahama said the Aflao border would be given a befitting facelift as an important gateway to the country. He said an NDC government would continue with its programme of breaking the monopoly in the production of cement as it did with the establishment of the Diamond Cement factory at Aflao. This, Mr Mahama held, would boost the construction sector and generate more jobs.

During a courtesy call on Chiefs in the Ketu-South constituency at Aflao, Mr Mahama promised that a government of the NDC would work closely with chiefs in the country. Togbe Amenya Fiti, Fiaga of Aflao cautioned against the tendency of politicians to shift their campaigns from issues to personal attacks and advised Mr Mahama to be constructive in his campaign. Togbe Addo VIII, Paramount Chief of Klikor and Togbe Hor, Fiaga of Some, expressed concern about "high utility bills," saying they had become a burden on the average Ghanaian. They also called for violent free elections in December.