Prof. Mills at the 'Encounter'

Prof Atta Mills at the IEA 'Encounter'


By William Yaw Owusu

Friday June 20,2008
The sentencing of Tsatsu Tsikata, former Chief Executive of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation almost diverted the focus when NDC flagbearer Prof. John Evans Atta Mills took his turn at the ‘Encounter’, a programme designed to offer platform for presidential aspirants to share their vision with the public.

Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Tsikata had been jailed five years by an Accra Fast Track High Court for willfully causing financial loss to the state and when the NDC flagbearer started his address to the nation he said “I dedicate the presentation to my good friend Tsatsu.”

“If anyone though that his sentence will dampen my spirit, they will be disappointed,” he continued.

The organisers had to insist during question time that the ‘Encounter’ was meant for explaining manifestoes of political parties the the issue of Mr Tsikata could be suspended.

The ‘Encounter’ is organised by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) under the auspices of the Ghana Political Parties Programme and broadcast live on Ghana Television and Joy FM.

Prof. Mills said “there are people who argue that campaigning for this election should be based on comparison of records but if this is fairly done the NDC will come on top.”

He said “the election is about leadership qualities and Atta Mills comes on board with truth, honesty and humility”, adding “I will lead a government that is honest, truthful and caring.”

Prof. Mills said “once the election is over we should be able to unite to move the country forward. I will be the president for all and not only for the NDC.”

He said currently, Ghana did not have problems with good laws and policies but rather “the country’s problem is with implementation which is traceable to leadership.”

On the economy, the NDC flagbearer said “people are worried about harsh economic conditions and it will need a caring government to take pragmatic steps to help the people out of the harsh conditions.”

He said the NDC will implement policies to ensure economic growth, increase domestic savings and infrastructure.

Admitting that there is a soaring crude oil price on the world market, Prof. Mills accused the government of excessive spending and extravagance saying “I would not rid the economy to benefit my relatives, associates and members of my party.”

“There are some who argue that Ghana’s political landscape must be shared by all but those on the other think it should be the survival of the fittest. They see it as each one for himself God for the selected few.”

“There is too much discrimination. Government should be a tool in the service of the people and not an avenue to create wealth.”

“I will crack the whip if any of my appointees are found to be corrupt.”

On crime, Prof. Mills said “Ghana is fast losing her hard earned regulation because of the activities of drug barons who have flooded our country with narcotics.”

“There are perceptions that the NPP has created an atmosphere which allows barons to go scot free or welcomed but an NDC administration will collaborate with all stakeholders to tackle the drug menace head on.”

He said the NDC will revive the regional partnership in intelligence gathering to combat high rate of crime especially robbery.”

Turning to agriculture, Prof. Mills said “the NDC will begin a renaissance of agriculture by doubling the production of cereals, fruits and vegetables.”

He said the NDC will renovate all the irrigation projects, construct additional ones, ensure the canalization of the Accra plains as well as establish a fertilizer factory in the Western Region and encourage bamboo cultivation.”

Prof. Mills said “there is too much unbridled importation of poultry products and we will use WTO rules in the imposition of tariff to sustain the local industry.”

On fishing he said the NDC will create a 200 mile exclusive economic zone for conservation purposes and protect local fishermen from foreign vessels and trawlers.

Touching on education, the NDC flagbearer said “we will extend the school feeding programme to cover all primary schools and we will not reverse the name of senior High School.”

He said the NDC will focus on quality education by making teaching attractive and also emphasise on creative arts and languages as well as Religious and Moral Education at the basic level.

He said the NDC will focus on full lost recovery at the tertiary level and brilliant but needy students will be given scholarships.

He also promised to complete the Ghana Institute of Journalism campus.

The NDC flagbearer said the NDC will review the National Health Insurance Scheme to suit all people and build modern hospitals in Koforidua and Bolgatanga.

On energy he said the NDC will increase Ghana’s energy potential from 1600 megawatts to 5000 and account strictly the revenue of oil reserves saying “we will make the oil become a blessing and not a curse.”

On the question of his health which he insisted to answer, Prof. Mills said “I am not a super human being. At the moment I am fit and during my work. I may live to be 80 or 90 or even next week before I die and it is only God who knows.”

He also promised that when elected President his cabinet will have a place for about 40 per cent of women saying “I am not doing them a favour. I am acknowledging the realities on the ground.”

He also said the police administration need ‘revival’ and ‘restoration’ and the NDC will work to enhance the security of the people.