In what could best be described as ‘dramatically poetic,’ former President Jerry John Rawlings shocked over 9,000 delegates of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Saturday when he addressed them with a simple message – listen to yourselves.

Uncharacteristic of the man who is known for using strong words for criticisms of the party he founded, Mr Rawlings first thanked the speakers who came before him to address the congress that will see to the election of new executives for the party’s 2020 victory agenda, and asked for rapt attention of all.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I have just one sentence message and listen carefully” he said.

The suspense-filled Fantasy Dome auditorium at the Trade Fair Centre erupted into laughter as that seemed to have taken them by surprise, but Papa J maintained his cool for the house to return to silence.

He then set the premise for his one-sentence message by asking if it is possible for the NDC to bring back their old days.

“I can imagine how we would wish for the spirit of the old days, it is possible?” he quizzed, noting that it is only possible if members cultivate the habit of listening to themselves.

That in fact seemed to have been the message as Mr. Rawlings maintained that after the delegates have listened to all the messages from aspirants, it was time for the delegates to listen to themselves obviously to elect the best leaders for the party.

Wrapping up with the one-speech, the former president stated: “I want to make an appeal; that we listen to ourselves”.

He wished all a successful congress praying for strength for participants to conduct the exercise.