Recent informed media speculations that some of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirants may form alliances in the near future were given credence as one of the potential winners, Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, yesterday opened wide his arms to any candidate who wants such a deal with him. According to him, his doors are always open to his colleagues but, looking at his track record and the confidence the potential delegates have in him, he said, he was confident of winning the December 22 congress. The former Minister for Water, Works and Housing said he has all it takes to take up the mantle of leadership from President John Agyekum Kufuor, after his reign, to continue his government's good works to take the nation's prosperity pursuit to completely new heights. Mr. Owusu-Agyemang's disclosure comes as an innocuous confirmation of The Heritage's lead story of Friday, September 28, that the aspirants were heading for mergers and alliances that could grow into three major camps. Even before Mr. Owusu-Agyemang's obvious confirmation, another can¬didate, Felix Owusu-Agyapong, had said he was prepared to align with anybody who was positive-minded, provided the need arose. Pitching himself against the vital requirements of a chief execu¬tive of the state, ex-Minister Owusu Agyemang said the high office of President requires someone who is dedicated, committed and ready to serve the nation and someone who would execute programmes to help the people and deepen democracy. Mr. Owusu- Agyemang was grateful to the party hierarchy for helping to build the party into a dynamic and vibrant one, pledging he and his campaign team would abide by all the rules pertaining to the candidacy. He also called for absolute fairness, which, he said, is a vital ingredient for democracy. The presidential aspirant acknowledged that whoever is destined to win the December congress, the rest of the contestants would have to join hands with him to celebrate the victory so that the NPP government hand over to yet another NPP administration team. He explained that he decided to submit his form very early to confirm his participation in the presidential race in order to put to rest speculations that he would withdraw his candidature at the 11th hour. "I am in the race to win and not to quit." The general secretary of the party, Nana Ohene-Ntow, expressed gratitude to all the aspirants and reminded them of the rules and guidelines governing the campaign, noting that their activities must be devoid of vilification and personal attacks against one another. They must also be guided by the party's constitution and preserve the sitting president as they take over from him. He said he has confidence in the aspirants and that there is no doubt that they will perform the task ahead graciously. He admonished the aspirants to advise their supporters against any insults since anything of the sort would be blamed on the aspirants the offenders support. He assured the aspirants of the party's recognition of fair play and a level playing field that would give them confidence and cause to unite during and after the congress. He reminded the aspirants of the code of ethics supposed to be governing their campaigns, reminding them that it is illegal, for example, to cause or compel any delegates to swear to the Almighty God or Allah or any fetish, god or mallam in order to secure a favourable vote from delegates. Source: The Heritage