Accra, March 2, GNA - Professor John Evans Atta Mills, Flag Bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Ghana's main opposition party, on Tuesday promised a leadership of truth and a people centred government when voted into office in the 2004 Elections.

Addressing a press conference, dubbed: "The State of the Nation: The Way Forward," Prof. Mills said Ghanaians were reeling under very difficult economic circumstances under President John Agyekum Kufuor's Administration, which made sweet promises in 2000, but had in the last three years failed to deliver.

The press conference, according to the party, is the first in a series of regular features on the party's calendar across the country. Prof. Mills said the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Government had failed to meet the high expectations raised through its "populist campaign message in 2000, which had resulted in the loss of confidence in and distrust for political office holders".

He explained that the distrust had been deepened by the observable affluent lifestyles and insincerity of some members of the NPP.

"My goal is to restore a fundamental trust and confidence between government and the people", adding that even though he would need the votes of the electorate, "I will not lie my way to the highest office of the land".

Prof. Mills said his experience in government had reinforced his convictions about being honest, courageous and realistic in public service.

"Being in opposition has given me time to reflect and conduct a truthful assessment of the situation," adding, "it has made me more determined than ever before to offer this nation a visionary leadership."

On the state of the nation, Prof Mills said it was not the best saying what had been said about the macro-economic performance was not a true and exact picture.

He said, "the stark truth, however, is that the majority of Ghanaians are facing untold hardships" and many people all over the country have been saying, "never before have things been so hard in Ghana".

He said there was widespread disillusionment with several businesses collapsing under the NPP government despite the assertion that this was the golden age of business.

Prof Mills expressed dismay at the high number of parents, who were finding it increasingly difficult to meet the high school fees, a trend that had led to a high school dropout rate.

He decried the high water and electricity tariffs, saying it was sad that in some cases it had gone up two or three fold. Professor Mills described the health sector as being in crisis not seen before, with the exodus of Ghanaian health professionals assuming alarming proportions.

He expressed regret that five months after the NPP majority in Parliament passed the National Health Insurance Act, the Ministry of Health was now advertising the proposed minimum benefits package under the scheme for public comment.

"In other words, the Act has been passed but what one is entitled to under the Act is now being discussed. It is a clear case of putting the cart before the horse."

The NDC Flag Bearer noted that the NPP government was unable and unwilling to implement the two major funding mechanisms under the scheme, which had attracted strong opposition from civil society and political parties.

The two funding mechanisms are the two and a half per cent VAT increase and the two and a half per cent workers' SSNIT contribution deductions.

He said there was also the problem of inadequate health personnel to manage the scheme Pro. Mills said the government, however, refused to listen when the issues were raised in Parliament.