Two members of the New Patriotic Party have confirmed their desire to run for the presidency of the Republic on the party’s ticket. The Minister of Communications and MP for Dome Kwabenya, Prof Mike Ocquaye and a former Minister of Information, Dan Botwe made declarations at separate events at the weekend. In Accra at the weekend, Prof Ocquaye issued a statement in which he indicated that “for some time now I have battled with calls from senior members of our great party, former and current executives, women and men, as well as young and old and I feel urged to oblige the clarion call to serve this nation to the best of my capacity. But I will open up only when the time is right”. Mr Botwe however chose Wa, the Upper West Regional capital to make the declaration saying that he was not perturbed by reports in sections of the media which sought to set him against other contestants. He said he was in the process of conferring with members of the party in all the intention, after which he would formally announce his candidature. He gave the assurance that he would work for the greater interest of the country and the party and not that of individuals. Prof Ocquaye said given his wealth of experience as a politician, academic and statesman, he saw himself aptly qualified to bid for the high office of President in order to further the cycle of service to God and man which he had distinctly prosecuted for more than 30 years. His statement explained that he had in recent times refused to be dragged into openly campaigning because although he possessed the requisite pedigree to join in the fray, he had decided to concentrate on his present official duty to provide leadership support in the communications industry. Mr Botwe on the other hand, commended the government of the NPP, led by President Kufuor for the sound economic policies and good governance which he said had projected the country to gain much recognition all over the world. “The NPP has the best policies, programmes and ideas to move this country forward and these among other things include free speech, good governance and respect for individuals,” Mr Botwe stated. Responding to a question on his relationship with the President Mr Botwe said there were no bad feelings between them as the conspiracy theory by a section of the media wanted to portray. He reiterated that he had worked with the President for more than 25 years now, saying, “He is the President and he has been vested with the powers to appoint the people he wants to work with” Touching on his vision for the country, Mr Botwe said he would work to build the required passion among people to get the right things done. Source: Daily Graphic