The flag-bearer of the NPP, Nana Akufo-Addo has congratulated his contender, Prof. John Atta Mills on his victory at the presidential run-off election. He however expressed some reservations about the votes from some constituencies in the Volta Region saying the issues might have to be resolved in court. “This morning, third January 2009, the Chairman of the Electoral Commission, Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan discharged his constitutional duty and declared Prof. J. E. Mills, the NDC presidential candidate, the president-elect following the 2008 presidential elections. I acknowledge the Electoral Commission’s declaration and congratulate Prof. Mills.” Nana Addo expressed gratitude to all those who participated in the elections, commending voters, security personnel, and observers. He thanked particularly those Ghanaians who voted for him saying that half of the voting population in the country voted for him and his programme while another half voted for Prof. Mills and his programme. He said the closeness of the poll indicated that even the smallest irregularity makes a significant impact on the election results. “It is wrong for agents of one party to be effectively barred from parts of a region during election as a result of orchestrated violence. "By stating that there was criminal conduct in some constituencies in the Volta Region and yet announcing the result, the Electoral Commission has given the unfortunate impression that it does not matter how votes are obtained as long as they are duly recorded. The use of violence for electoral advantage is unacceptable in all circumstances,” he said. The failed presidential hopeful expressed sympathies with all those who were assaulted in the election process. “Our democracy will not be complete until the day when Ghanaians regardless of their party affiliation or region of origin can participate fully in our election as voters or polling agents everywhere”. He expressed regret at what he said are attacks on some supporters of the party, commending supporters of the NPP for exercising restraint. Nana Akufo-Addo urged Prof. Mills and the NDC to condemn publicly the acts of intimidation and violence by their supporters. “This is today a divided country and these times call for leadership from all of us so that we can continue to build this country. Both Prof. Mills and I have an obligation to foster conciliation and consensus and I pledge to do my party,” he said. Story by Malik Abass Daabu