Vice President John Dramani Mahama, has advised executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) including Ministers of State to ensure that the intra-party squabbles and power play within the party ceased. The Vice President who made the call during the fourth Regional Ministers Conference held in Bolgatanga, explained that such unhealthy development if not stopped may affect the party in its bid to retain power in the 2012 general election. “There is therefore the need for us to get to the task of explaining our manifesto to the people of Ghana. In Sunyani we saw the outcome of what unity can achieve for a just cause,” he stressed. He indicated that party unity and cohesion was paramount for any party to obtain victory and called on party executives and ministers to open up communication channels and discuss issues including welfare matters with the rank and file of party members in a frank and cordial manner, adding “we must recognize them and let them appreciate the challenges facing us as a government.” He urged them to exemplify the humility and equanimity of President Mills and go down to all levels of the party to ensure that the grievances of the rank and file were addressed through dialogue and with respect. Mr Mahama told the Regional Ministers that as they discussed the agenda for the conference, they must bear in mind that the campaign for the 2012 re-election of the NDC and President Mills had started in earnest and entreated them to use the forum to critically examine government policies and programmes in the light of the party’s manifesto promises and come out with recommendations, where necessary, for consideration by the appropriate body or organ of State. “I urge you to study the manifesto urgently. The Manifesto has summarized year on year objectives and also sector by sector objectives. You are the operational technicians on the ground. You must direct the ministers and presidency on any lapses on the ground and areas where more work needs to be done.” Mr Mahama stated that the Inter-ministerial Coordinating Committee on decentralization, which he chaired, had submitted a memo to Cabinet to remove the few remaining hurdles on decentralization. “These include the amendment of the Ghana Library Service Act, Registration of Births and Deaths Act, National Youth Authority Act and Sports Act,” he said. He expressed the hope that when Government started the Composite Budget next year it would have given true effect to the concept of decentralization.