Ghana is larger than all of us, and the NDC’s victory is the victory of ordinary and truthful Ghanaians guided by the proven history and performance of a Social Democratic Party and Government. The evolution of contemporary viable democracy in Ghana was based on struggles by ordinary people for political space and voice, initially on a non-partisan basis under the PNDC, and subsequently, in a constitutional framework of multiparty democracy under a government of the NDC. Constitutional democracy, thus emerged on the bedrock of commitment by ordinary people to work hard to produce the nation’s wealth, to uphold truth, abhor corruption, and distribute the benefits of hard work equitably for the greater, social and economic wellbeing of all Ghanaians.The country has made significant achievements. However, the sustainability of these achievements is seriously threatened by the rule of morally bankrupt and visionless elite that has transformed arrogance into an art, glorifying corruption in style, and raping the country’s resources with shameless rapacity. We in the NDC are firm in one belief: the people of this dear country will not surrender their independence and abandon their struggle to restore hope and dignity to the common man. Our people are relentless in their determination to reclaim their right to create opportunities for progress and prosperity by all from the stranglehold of elite rule and domination. As I traverse this rich country, I see, I hear, and I salute the silent voices that are saying, Never Again. It is in this regard and also against this background that I bring to you these three brief messages:
•The NDC will win election 2008 mainly because the good people of Ghana now know the difference between the needs and interests of the broad majority on one hand, and the unearned privileges of the few who think they are "born to rule ".The millions of youth who went out to register to vote are preparing to claim their rights and to install a new political leadership that will render service with humility, and keep the interests of the majority of our people on view in the policy making process. Under the philosophy of social democracy, the NDC will lead the youth, men and women, ordinary people and, indeed all progressive groupings to join hands to claim back our national assets and renew our march towards an enduring democracy on the foundations of sustainable development underpinned by a commitment of social justice.
• In victory, we will renew our commitment to unite this country again, by ensuring that development occurs in a manner that is compassionate and in which the prosperity of the greatest number is cardinal. We will bridge the development gap between the north and the south; we will also pay closer attention to communities elsewhere in the country where poverty is endemic. We will encourage better communication and improved social relations between the young and the old; and we will renew governance in a manner that reflects service, not corruption and self adulation as you have seen in eight years of NPP rule.
• But to get to victory, I urge you to be guided by the vigilance of the Eagle and the sprawl of the
Akatamanso Umbrella as it provides us the momentum to surge higher and higher, while seeking to protect our people from selfishness and decadence.
Source: A Better Ghana Manifesto
