National Chairman aspirant of the ruling National Democratic Congress, Kofi Portuphy has indicated he would work closely with the party’s grassroots if elected into office.

He claimed they were the people who mattered in the two successful victories the party chalked in the 2008 and 2012 general elections.

Mr. Portuphy who doubles as the Coordinator of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) launched his bid to become the party's chairman Tuesday in Accra.

A former Trade Minister during Jerry Rawlings’ regime, Dan Abodakpi had officially announced to contest the position too.

Asked by Joy News’ Kwakye Afreh-Nuamah why he was contesting the current chairman, Dr. Kwabena Adjei, who led the party on two successful electoral victories, Mr. Portuphy said: “it’s not me wanting him out. It is the democratic process that says that if he has served for eight years, he should be recontested. I have a right to offer myself for leadership.”

He was sure the people have listened to his message and may decide to vote for him because they have been yearning for a change.

He boasted of being the best disaster manager in Africa.

NDC’s Deputy General Secretary Kofi Adams told Joy News the party would open nomination for national congress from August ending to September, this year, to enable candidates move around to start campaigning.