Mr Haruna Esseku, Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Wednesday told his maiden press conference that the party does not seek the demise of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He said although, it is determined to win the 2004 elections, it believes that an absolute single party strength showing would ruin the beauty of the country's democracy.

The press conference was called to articulate the vision of the new national executive voted into office five weeks ago.

He asked other parties to organise themselves well and contribute regularly to national debates in order to strengthen democracy in Ghana.

Mr Esseku said the party supports government's determination to pursue the cause of accountability to the hilt.

"We find the NDC's assertion that its members would no longer attend probes as unfortunate. It is purely hypocritical."

He said the view that the government is harassing members of the NDC is short-sighted.

"Government is reviewing what it has taken over and I think it is just asking those who were in charge questions on actions and activities that baffles it."

Mr Esseku said: "Is NDC saying that if a person is found to have stolen state money or found to have misconducted himself or herself, he or she should just be told 'go and sin no more"

The NPP National Chairman said the party does not believe in vengeance but will not depart from the principles of rule of law and good governance.

"I was myself a victim of the revolution. I was detained at the Osu Castle and had my bold head shaved just because some one has said I owed him money. I don't think the NPP is thinking about those abuses. We just want to conduct our affairs in more acceptable ways."

Mr Esseku said NPP would never seek to usurp the power and function of government but rather carry popular views to it.

"The NPP will be the backbone of government, be the eyes and ears and let the government know what the ordinary person feels about its work."

He said: "The party has the capacity to repair the harm done to the country socially, economically and politically during the last 20 years of misdirection."

The conference was attended by other executives including Mr Stephen Ntim, Fist Vice Chairman, Mrs Agnes Okudzeto, second Vice Chairperson and Mr Michael Dugan, treasurer.