Mills tours the Eastern Region.
At Odumase Krobo the Tuesday, March 4th, Prof. Mills made it emphatically clear that his government will reintroduce study leave with pay as part of the conditions of service for teachers.
Professor Mills, who has himself spent over 25 years imparting knowledge at the University of Ghana, Legon, in particular, and other institutions in Europe and North America, said that because he is as a teacher and will remain so for life, he knows the valuable contribution that teachers make to developing the human resource base of the country. He opined that in order for teachers to continue to play their vital role, they themselves would have to continuously develop their capacity.
“It is not enough just to get out of the training colleges and be at that level for the rest of ones working life that is why a Mills led government will not hesitate to reintroduce study leave with pay so that our teachers can continue to build their capacity and continue to contribute their needed quota to national development” the NDC Leader said. “Teachers, just like other categories of workers, play a vital role in nation development and just as I will be committed to bettering the lot of all, teachers will get their due” adding that, upgrading the knowledge skills of teachers, and not providing them with the incentives to stay in the classroom will be counter productive. He went on to say that their conditions of service will also be high on his agenda.
Professor John Evans Atta Mills also pledged that his government’s Agriculture Sector Policy, will give a strong attention to irrigating the Accra Plains to make it a major food basket for the country. Mentioning that mechanization and irrigation could produce not only for local consumption, but also for export.
“I have once been the chairman of the Police Council and have worked closely with the police service so I know what I am talking about when I say that as president of the country, I will provide them with the needed logistics to work” the former Vice President said as he turned to speak specifically to the policemen few policemen present. “We need the police to protect us and the only way they can be effective is to equip them with the requisite logistics and to make sure that they are adequately remunerated” he added. He also thanked them for managing with the little they have and promised that his government will not let them down especially with the benefit of hindsight.
Indeed, as Vice President, Professor Mills introduced policemen into the Castle setup and so he at least has a history of giving the Ghana Police its due. Speaking on the same platform, Hon Michael Teye Nyawunu, asked the people of his constituency to vote massively for Professor Mills because he was fit and capable, and will surely be the next president so he can redeem Ghanaians from their current state of suffering and misery.
Professor Mills started out as early as 8.30 a.m. in Akuse, in the Lower Manya Constituency of Hon. Michael Teye Nyawunu, where he met chiefs, opinion leaders and party supporters, moved through Kpong where he met jubilant supporters, mostly female traders, went through Manya Krobo to Odumase Krobo where he paid a courtesy call on the Acting Kornor of the Manya Traditional Area before proceeding to Koforidua where he paid a courtesy call on Daasebre Oti Boateng, Omanhene of the New Juabeng Traditional Area, and addressed scores of party supporters.
Prof. Mills promised to conduct a civil campaign devoid of invectives and name calling, and also pledged to abide by the rules of Ghana’s electoral ways. He however made it succinctly clear that he and his party shall not countenance any attempt by any players in the political arena to steal the mandate of the people and impose themselves on the people.
The Traditional Rulers thanked the NDC Leader for giving them their due respect, thanked him for his pledge abide by the electoral laws and in conducting an issue-based campaign.
Daasebre Oti Boateng, had earlier called on the Electoral Commission to make sure that it presents the people of Ghana with a credible voters register which will not give cause for any group to contest the results of the 2008 polls, wished Prof. Mills well in his endeavours with a warm handshake.
Prof Mills' entourage included Baba Jamal, Deputy General Secretary, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, National Organiser, Ama Benyiwa Doe, National Women’s Organiser, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, Hon. Michael Teye Nyawunu, Antwi Boasiako Sekyere, as well as Eastern Regional Executives of the party.
