JUNE 4 UPRISING: "Dare to be different from NPP" - John Mahama to NDC

Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama charged the NDC to dare to be different from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) should it take office come January 7.

According to Mr. Mahama, the NDC must set new standards in governance which Ghanians will appreciate.

Speak at 44th Anniversary of June 4 uprising at Hohoe in the Volta Region, he said "Ladies and gentleman in government we must be different from what the NPP has been"

"We must set a new standard in governance so that Ghanians will appreciate that we're not condemned as people to live with this level of greed and impunity"

"I hear people say we must come to power and do also exactly a pound of flesh. But as the haters of the Spirit are twofold, I dare see we cannot become a copy of the NPP or else Ghanians would have lost all hope of salvation"

"Let us all be guided by our history as a nation and do the things that are necessary to restore hope and confidence in our increasingly despondent people. That this democratic experiment experiment we embarked on in 1992 is the most effective means of achieving national progress and development"

"We have no other choice than to do this and to do it quickly made a flame of the June 4 uprising continue to burn in all of us, even as we mark the four decades and beyond that have passed since our national density was permanently changed by the events of those heady days"

"Ladies and gentleman. I wish to congratulate all those who have participated in this event to commend the parade commander and those who participated participated in the parade for the very smart turnout that we have seen today"

The NDC Flagbearer also reminded the gathering that it was the June 4 uprising which gave birth to the principles of probity and accountability.

He tasked the citizenry to observe the June 4 uprising with greatest respect and gratitude.

"The June 4 uprising gave birth to the principles of probity and accountability, which remain essential in Ghana’s governance"

"This historical event should inspire current leadership to work selflessly and tirelessly towards a brighter future for the country while upholding the legacy of those who sacrificed their lives"

"The events that unfolded 44 years ago, acknowledging the loss of lives during the catastrophic events of the June 4 uprising"

"The sacrifices made by those involved in the uprising paved the way for Ghana’s democracy and constitutional governance, which the nation enjoys today"

Flagbearer Mahama reminded Ghanaians of the importance of honouring the past, learning from it, and striving to build a better future for the nation based on principles of justice, accountability, and democratic values.

The June 4 uprising, which occurred in 1979, was as a result of corruption and perceived bad governance.

The uprising resulted in public frustration and tensions within the Ghanaian army, leading to the execution of three former military heads of state and several senior military officials by firing squad.

On her part, Member of Parliament (MP), Korley Klottey, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings charged the leadership and party faithfuls to let their speech as well actions have a true reflection of the love they claim to have for the NDC party.

Newly elected Parliamentary Aspirant for Hohoe Constituency, Worlanyo Tsekpo has promised Flagbearer John Mahama and NDC saying, he will ensure the party re-claims the Hohoe seat.

General Secretary of the NDC, Fiifi Kwetey said "The June 4 celebrations actually started some 22 days earlier.

He explained that two weeks before June 4 fell on May15.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith