Accra, Dec. 21 GNA. Former President Jerry John Rawlings was the toast of the numerous supporters and delegates of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) attending the Party's congress at the University of Ghana, Legon. Thousands of NDC foot soldiers clad in Party colours, who had taken over the main roads leading to congress grounds amidst drumming and dancing, surged forward when the convoy of Former President Rawlings arrived.

Even though the elated Party members broke through the security barricade they did not pose any threat to him. It took him more than 30 minutes to move from the School of Administration to reach the N-Block, where the congress was taking place, a distance of about 200 metres. Professor John Evans Atta Mills, one of the candidates contesting to lead Party for Election 2008, preceded him and was also cheered widely when he arrived.

Earlier Dr Ekwow Spio Garbrah, Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth Telecommunication Organisation, and Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, Former Minister of Defence, both contestants, had arrived and had been accorded warm reception.

Mr Edward Annan, a Business Magnate and Bank Roller of the Party, followed the Founder and Professor Mills to the congress grounds. The jubilant supporters cheered and sang and danced to "Jama" and "Kpanlogo" songs and brass band music. In all about 1,700 delegates from 230 constituencies across the country and NDC branches outside country are expected to cast their votes to elect the Party's Presidential Candidate. Most of the delegates, who arrived on Wednesday, expressed satisfaction about the comportment of party members so far and were of the hope that the congress would be successful.