Opinions of Wednesday, 14 May 2008

Columnist: Acquah, Henry

What Ghana Must Know About Atta Mills

The Optimism Of Atta Mills

We believe Ghana can do better.

And we will do better under a caring, honest and forthright leadership. We have a government today that has declared itself the best in Ghana's history and painting a picture of Ghana having reached the pinnacle of growth and so cannot do any better.

But Atta Mills and the NDC believe life is a constant struggle to better our circumstances.

Only God can speak in absolute terms.

It is unimaginable that the NPP government, made up of mortals, can declare that it has Given Ghanaians the best things ever, especially considering the litany of broken promises since 2001.

The Vision Of Atta Mills

This is our vision for Ghana's future- a vision built on change that produces more educated children, jobs and employment opportunities, housing, healthier communities, food, and compassion for those who cannot compete.

The Pledge of Atta Mills

And in all of these, the quality of leadership will matter. Over the years, there has been no shortage of ideas in this country. What has often been lacking is effective implementation.

I believe a competent, humble, down-to-earth leadership can make a difference between success and failure.

The Background of Atta Mills

I was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth. And I will not regard my election as President as some kind of coronation.

My father was a teacher, my mother a trader. They sacrificed for my education. I knew and still know a great deal about families whose household finances are so meager and have to struggle to make ends meet.

Through my own experiences in life, I have developed an understanding of the common man's needs and wants.

The Modesty of Atta Mills

The government of Atta mills will not engage in profligate expenditure on presidential aircrafts, palaces, lavish anniversary celebrations, and the like.

Yes it is good to celebrate anniversaries, but we will do so in modesty knowing that we must cut our cloth according to our size.

The comfort of our elected officials will never be allowed to take precedence over the welfare of the peoples.

My vision for Ghana is to create the kind of society in which all can pursue and achieve their dreams by setting the right priorities for the nation. I will ensure that resources available to the country, including anticipated oil revenues, are geared in the direction of the four major policy areas the NDC has defined.

Atta Mills' Banner of Truth

I also value truth, and believe what must define Ghana's leadership in 2009 and beyond is a genuine and public demonstration of our own trustworthiness as leaders.

Ghanaians now think government cannot be trusted to care about their suffering.

That should not be the case.

As President, I will respond to the challenges of leading this country with the best weapon in life, which is, truth.

When I say I Care, I will demonstrate it in all my undertakings. As President, I will strive to restore public faith in government.

Why Atta Mills Is A Must For Ghana Now

So much hangs in the balance in this election.

An economy to improve;

A (broken) national spirit to refresh;

A nation to reunite after the polarizing politics of the past seven years;

A middle class that needs a Leader who can champion their cause after seven years in the partisan whirlwind;

A damaged international image as a major drug trafficking country, to redeem;

As well as saving the Ghanaian public from the scourge of crime and armed robbery.

Atta Mills On Nation's Unity

I am here to reassure Ghanaians who are tired of politics as usual, that we are committed to a new type of politics which will foster national unity and a new sense of purpose.

I make a pledge to engage with opposing points of view because in Atta Mills you will have a President who is going to be a good listener I will not govern according to my desires; I will govern according to the will of the people.

The Strength Of Atta Mills

Today, we have an NDC party that is more united than ever before. And I place on record, my profound respect and appreciation to the rank and file of our Great NDC party for your devotion to the cause. It is your courage and resilience that has kept the NDC alive, and I respect your for that.

We should all be proud that we belong to this great political tradition that has the welfare of the people at the core of its agenda.

Atta Mills' Appeal To Ghanaians

I am reminding all Ghanaians to hold the NPP to the same standards they held the NDC to in the run up to the 2000 elections. Principles must be principles and not change with time.

Atta Mills To The EC

We only ask the Electoral Commission to do its duty impartially and not succumb to any subtle pressures.

The NDC is wide awake, and we will open our eyes much wider in the coming days and weeks especially when the voters register is re-opened and on voting day itself.

Let the ruling Party be in no doubt of the NDC's strong determination to prevent a repeat of the electoral abuses, including abuse of incumbency, which characterised the 2004 elections.

Atta Mills On The Media

let me remind our friends in the media that the greatest moments in the history of the press came not when journalists made common cause with Governments, but when they stood fearlessly independent of it and worked for the greater good of the State.

Atta Mills' On NPP's Missed Moment

The NPP had its moment in December 2000. They had their chance to lead but they chose a polarizing approach to governance instead of an approach that will foster national unity and cohesion.

They equated political power to a hammer and everything they saw resembled a nail. So, they have kept going at their fellow Ghanaians whose only "sin" is that they belong to the other side of the political divide.

Atta Mills On Nation's Unity

I am here to reassure Ghanaians who are tired of politics as usual, that we are committed to a new type of politics which will foster national unity and a new sense of purpose.

I make a pledge to engage with opposing points of view because in Atta Mills you will have a President who is going to be a good listener I will not govern according to my desires; I will govern according to the will of the people.

Why Atta Mills Feels Confident

December 2008 shall be the big moment for the NDC.

In John Dramani Mahama, I have found a running mate who is earnest, thoughtful and broad-minded.

He will complement my efforts.

He is a running mate in whom I am well pleased