Kumasi, Oct 26, GNA - The Ashanti Regional branch of the

ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) has vowed to stand

with President John Evans Atta Mills every step of the way and

warned that any attempt to undermine his leadership would wreck

the party's political fortunes. A press statement issued and signed by the Regional

Chairman, Mr Yaw Owusu Obimpeh, expressed absolute

confidence in the President. This comes in the wake of the political heat generated by the

invitation to former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings,

by some members of the party, to put herself up as candidate for

the NDC's 2012 presidential ticket. The statement said it was important for all who wish the NDC

well and eager to see it hold on to political power to respect the

party's Constitution and to also understand that the President has a

four-year mandate to deliver "on our promises." It counseled that nothing should be done to either frustrate or

distract his attention from the task ahead of him. The party said it was convinced by the high level of competence and sublime leadership qualities demonstrated by President Mills that he would succeed with the "Better Ghana agenda." It therefore asked all to support and unite solidly behind him

to serve the nation to the admiration of the people. It said the President and his team should be given space to

concentrate on the job of bringing development and economic

opportunities to the country. The statement urged the party to reject the path to self-

destruction by avoiding acts that have the tendency to ruin its unity

and cohesion.