President John Evans Atta Mills has called on members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to use the loss of the Northern Regional Chairman of the party to unite for progress. He urged the Party members to strive to consolidate their hold on power and assured them that, come 2012 the NDC would win again and use the victory as an occasion to honour and remember all fallen heroes of the party who had sacrificed their energies and lives for the growth and success of the NDC. Speaking at the final funeral rites of the late chairman, Alhaji Sumani Zakaria in Tamale on Sunday, the President called on all to get on board and reminded them that, "if this government does not succeed, there is no way the people of Ghana will have confidence in any NDC government in the future." President Mills further admonished the people not to limit their fraternal greetings to such solemn occasions alone but to extend similar goodwill and genuine feelings to each other even in their daily interactions. Alhaji Sumani, 75, died at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra after a protracted illness and was buried in Tamale a fortnight ago. He began his working life as a casual labourer and later became a driver, a commercial farmer, a transport owner and a succesful contractor and businessman. President Mills described the late chairman as an astute politician who contributed enormously to the growth of the party and democracy in the country. The Vice-President, Mr John Mahama, for his part, observed that the personality, character and principles of the late chairman always made him stand out among his peers. He described Alhaji Sumani's life as worthy of emulation by all, particularly the youth, and noted that death had robbed the party of such a courageous character. The General Secretary of the NDC, Mr Johnnson Aseidu Nketia, also portrayed the late chairman as a visionary and hardworking leader who strived to improve the fortunes of the party in the region over the years. The ceremony attracted sympathisers from all walks of life in and outside the region. They included former Vice-President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, the leadership and representatives from all political parties, chiefs, ministers of state, government and party functionaries and Members of Parliament. The government donated 25 bags of maize and rice, two bulls, assorted crates of soft drinks and GH¢5,OOO to the bereaved family, while the New Patriotic Party (NPP) also presented two bags of maize and rice each and GH¢500. Other political parties and individuals also made donations to the bereaved family. Source: Daily Graphic