Mankessim (C/R), GNA- Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama at the weekend officially launched his bid to be the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for Election 2008, with "Empowerment and Prosperity" as his agenda.

Flanked by his wife, Hajia Ramatu and his campaign Manager, Mr Ben Annan at Mankessim in the Mfantsiman District of the Central Region, Vice President Mahama declared in front of a large number of cheering supporters dancing to highlife and traditional music eulogising his candidature, that he represents the best of the Danquah-Busia tradition. "My friends, I believe I represent the best of the Danquah-Busia Tradition- a tradition that does not discriminate; a tradition that respects justice and the rule of law; a tradition that has room for all, including the less privileged to aspire to the very top." He staked a claim for the major assignment of winning a third term for the NPP, warning that without his candidature that mission would be a mirage.

He asked: "Now we have the power. But are we going to toy with it for our opponents to snatch it away from us when victory is more or less assured with Aliu Mahama's Candidacy?"

He lauded the efforts of the pioneers of the Danquah Busia Tradition who, he said, sacrificed everything they had to promote true freedom to Ghanaians.

"Now we are about to make history again. In the closing days of the Jubilee Year, the NPP is set to make a triple election victory, which will cement the Danquah-Busia Tradition in power for a long time, but only if the right decision is made at Congress. The Vice President is among the 19 candidates who would vie for the presidential slot of the NPP at the December 22, 2007 Delegates Congress.

Focussing his attention on his supporters, many of whom were dressed in T-shirts embossed with his portrait, he asked them to make the right choice at congress.

" To those of you who would be selected as delegates to our congress next month, God and country expect you to do the right thing. In your hands is the decision that would determine whether our blessed homeland would succeed or fail. You have only one month left for that decision. I wish you God's guidance."

Vice President Mahama used the ceremony to launch his website: www.aliumahama08.com and a Mission Statement that seeks to create the African example of a buoyant prosperous economy and a proud, disciplined and industrious people at peace with themselves and their neighbours. Dr Amoako Tuffour, Chief Advisor to the Vice President said it was only Alhaji Mahama who could pull floating voters from the Zongo's, Northern, Upper East, Upper West and Volta regions.

He said Vice President Mahama had all the qualities that the NPP could market to win the 2008 General Election.

Mr Annan said the numerous candidates contesting the flagbearership of the NPP was unacceptable.

He said Vice President Mahama was the only candidate who could lead the NPP to victory and make Ghanaians happy and proud. 17 Nov. 07