Flagbearer aspirant of the opposition New Patriotic Party Alan Kyerematen has urged delegates of the party to vote for a candidate who would appeal to the larger Ghanaian public and not just the core supporters of the party. According to him, he is better placed to lead the party given his dynamism, youthful exuberance and the capacity to run a united Ghana. He was speaking at his first ever media interaction since launching his campaign for the party’s flag-bearer position for the 2012 elections. Having undergone two long tortuous and competitive presidential primaries within the last three years, the NPP, he stated, needed a leader that will “build bridges between different interest groups in the party, not factions, and mobilize the collective strengths of all members towards the campaign effort. I have therefore advised the delegates to select a candidate who will be a unifying force in our party.” “It is a fact of electoral politics that personal qualities play a large part in the decisions that voters make,” he said and proceeded to counsel the close to 120,000 delegates voting on Saturday’s primary “to look for a young, dynamic, energetic, charismatic, affable, humble, God-fearing, dedicated inspiring and an action-oriented person to lead our party.” Mr. Alan Kyerematen, one of the two leading contenders for the slot - the other being Nana Akufo-Addo - said he would work assiduously to eliminate unemployment and poverty in the country. He said his immediate task, if eventually elected into power as president, will be to create jobs and to improve on the living standards of the people. The former Minister of Trade and Industry and Presidential Special Initiative said he will focus on major public investments that have direct link with the private sector. He also pledged to liaise with the Bank of Ghana to adopt a more “radical approach” in reducing the lending rate of commercial banks to about 10 per cent. This he said will reduce the cost of borrowing thus stimulate growth and development in the country. He also revealed a three-prong approach in developing the country- investing in productive sectors of the economy; investing in health; and deepening the democratic culture of the country. He is hopeful the delegates will elect him as the flag-bearer in the August 7 primaries which has over 115,000 delegates. Play the attached audio and listen to Mr Kyerematen touting his credentials and justifying why should be elected to lead the NPP in the 2012 elections. Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana