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Address By H.E. Jerry John Rawlings At The National Delegates Conference Of The National Democratic Congress Kumasi Sports Stadium � Saturday December 20, 2014 Mr President, Mr Vice-President, Members of the National Executive Committee of the NDC, Ministers of State, Party delegates, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Members of the media, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen: We are assembled here today to take important decisions for our party, the National Democratic Congress. It is an important gathering aimed at breathing new life into the party and re-powering it into the political machine it is supposed to be. I have not been oblivious to the campaign rhetoric and the huge fervour that has gripped the grassroots of the party in the run up to today. More importantly I have not missed the huge interest shown by women and the youth in today�s Congress and their active participation in creating the wind of change that is blowing through the party. The dynamic future of the NDC lies in the women, the wise old comrades and especially the youth � hungry, ambitious, focussed and ready to fight for the core values of what the NDC truly stands for: truth, transparency, integrity and a people-centred movement. Ladies and gentlemen: The strength of our party is derived from the will of the people. The raw, undiluted free will of the people to decide what they want for their party, their communities and their country. The strength and trust of the people cannot be taken for granted and should be harnessed and harvested here in the quality and calibre of leaders we elect today. It is evident that the party already feels a charge of renewed energy that should not be allowed to dissipate. This energy has to be tapped and not destroyed by the parochial intentions of a few. That energy can be maintained if we embrace the truth � that which comes from nature, from within, from the human environment. That is the truest ingredient to fight any political battle and successfully manage a country. Mr President, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen: As we negotiate this turning point of the party�s history, we have to concede that we have major image issues to tackle. We cannot play the ostrich and overlook the many challenges we have created on the winding path we have cut for ourselves. We have to accept that the NDC government also faces huge challenges in the political and economic management of the country. We have to realise that perceptions of corruption have placed the image of the government and party into disrepute. We have to admit that some political appointees and party officials have allowed their individual parochial interests to override the national interest. Today could change some of that. Delegates here gathered today have been well briefed by their constituents and are not unaware of the huge challenges that the government and party face as we enter 2016. A vote here today should be about values, about selflessness, not selfishness, about courage, not cowardice and truth against lies. This is the treasure of the party and our decisions, good or bad will send a message to the millions out there who ultimately decide how national elections go. We represent millions of the electorate, the grassroots, and our actions should not deviate from what they truly want and need to rejuvenate the NDC as the potent and formidable political force it used to be. Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen: the most vibrant compass for evaluating the direction of the party and allowing the representatives of the people from across the country to offer their candid input to the day-to-day management of the party and government, would be the re-institution of annual delegates congresses solely for intra-party soul-searching and surgery. Our social democratic credentials should not be allowed to wane and grow extinct. Our survival is based on our ability to self-criticise, or we stand to self-destruct! Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen: it is my fervent prayer that the delegates gathered here today have sensed the heightened energy level and are themselves charged to effect the necessary change to revitalise their party. Business should not be as usual after today. Some power must change hands. Thank you.