Fotobi(E/R), Sept. 9, GNA- The running mate of the flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress(NDC), Mr John Dramani Mahama, has assured the youth of Akuapem South that when the party is voted into power, it would revive the collapsed pineapple farming in the area to guarantee them economic freedom.

He said a government of NDC would embark on a true agricultural revolution to ensure that many farmers enjoyed economic freedom. Mr Mahama was speaking at mini rallies organized by the NDC at Aburi, Fotobi, Pakro and Nsawam, all in the Aburi/Nsawam constituency and at Adeiso in the Upper West Akim constituency as part of his 10-day tour of the Eastern Region to campaign for support for his party and the flag-bearer, Professor John Evans Atta-Mills.

He said during the reign of the NDC government, the country was producing 40 per cent of the rice requirement of the country and was importing 60 per cent at the cost of 100 million dollars annually, which was criticized by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) then in opposition. Mr Mahama said despite the major inputs made into rice production, under the NNP government, the country was now producing only 10 per cent of its requirement and importing 90 per cent at the cost of 400 million dollars annually.

He said an NDC government would change the trend because the country had the resources that could be tapped and effectively managed to ensure that the country became a net exporter of rice. At Aburi, Aburihene, Otubour Djan Kwesi, appealed to the Electoral Commission (EC) to let the will of the people prevail in the December elections and conduct its activities in a manner that would win the confidence and the trust of all players in the elections. He called on supporters of the various political parties to comport themselves in their campaigns to ensure that the country continue to enjoy the present peaceful atmosphere prevailing in the country.

The Safohene of Pakro, Nana Ferdinand Lokko, said the road from Nsawam to Pakro and Pakro-Adawso is of major concern to farmers living in the area and therefore urged Mr Mahama to remember the people of Pakro and their road when his party wins power. At Abetima-Dego, Odikro Okyere Ohene, appealed to Mr Mahama to ensure that when his party comes to power, it extends electricity project to the area and provide the local teachers with teachers quarters.

He explained that teachers had to travel from Nsawam to the place daily, a situation he said was undermining teaching and learning hence the school in the community scored zero per cent at the recent Basic Education Certificate Examination.