The Old Guards Association of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called for a truce in the party's power struggle to ensure that the implementation of the Better Ghana Agenda was not derailed.
It recalled the similar scramble and acrimony that characterized the party's preparations towards the 2000 elections, which led to its electoral defeat, and appealed to the leadership to do all in its power to avoid
repeating those mistakes.
A statement signed by Oheneba Asamoah Atuahene, Chairman of the Association, issued in Kumasi on Monday, said they "are deeply concerned and worried by some insidious developments in the party leadership".
"The current wrangling over who is or is not a true NDC is a serious issue which needs to be addressed immediately by all stakeholders to prevent cracks and divisions in the party," it said.
It cited a recent alleged pronouncement by Mr Seth Ofori Ohene, former Communications Director, that Dr Kwabena Duffuor, Minister of Finance, was a stranger in the party, and by extension, the cause of disaffection in the NDC.
The statement said such claims could breed animosity among the old and new members adding that "the days of we and they are over".
"The NDC is a melting pot in Ghana's turbulent politics, and compose of people from parties aligned to the two age-old traditions, people with diverse shades of opinions and social strata who share a common belief in the social democratic ideology of the party. The strength of the NDC lies in this fortunate diversity," it said.
It said the NDC administration, led by Professor Mills, was avowedly an all inclusive one and should be justifiably so adding that the national unity and peace must go hand in hand with the pursuit of the Better Ghana Agenda.
The statement called on party members to come together and forge a united front, especially between former President Rawlings and Professor Mills.
"Former President Rawlings is the institutional and constitutional founder of the NDC, whose passion for the welfare of the rank and file of the party is sacrosanct.
"He wants the NDC to succeed and to excel. President Mills is the leader of the party and as Head of State of Ghana, dedicated to the welfare
of all party members as well as the generality of Ghanaians.
"The vessel that he is piloting needs the experience, direction and support of former President Rawlings."
The statement called for tolerance, respect and goodwill from all members in their service to Ghana.
It further called on the youth in the party to exercise restraint and respect party structures and work towards building a united front to consolidate power in 2012.