Kumasi, Nov. 1, GNA - Mr Kofi Opoku-Manu, Ashanti Regional Minister, has tasked ward, constituency and regional executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to be supportive of President John Evans Atta Mills in his endeavours, "since he is a visionary leader".

He said they should resolve to close their ranks, bury their differences and encourage members to rally behind government policies, programmes and social interventions, designed to create employment and also alleviate poverty, among the citizenry.

This, he said, was the only way the NDC could continue to sustain the goodwill of the people to retain power in the 2012 general elections.

Mr Opoku-Manu was inaugurating the Democratic Development Association (DDA), a youth wing of the party, in Kumasi. The Association, which is made up of mostly teachers, among others, aims at collaborating with the party in promoting secular education in Zongo communities in the Region, and also to explain government policies and programmes to people at the grassroots.

The Minister cautioned youth wings and other organizations within the party to adhere to the principles of the party in all their endeavours, as they were strategic partners in development. He said government would not shirk its educational, health and economic responsibilities for the advancement of the society. Mr Joseph Boarle Salifu, Asawasi Constituency Secretary of the NDC, kicked against the posting of the pictures of Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings on some walls across the country on her bid to contest for the NDC flagbearership in 2012.

He said since the former First Lady had openly denied being behind the posters, then those involved should desist from creating confusion in the party.

"I urge all well-meaning supporters to throw their weight behind the Mills Administration, instead of fomenting trouble, since it could cost the party in future."

Mr Salifu urged members of the Association to be duty-conscious in the interest of the party.

Mr Emmanuel Maclean, Chairman of the Association, said they would soon embark on a massive membership drive to enhance its support base.