Founder of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Jerry John Rawlings, dashed the hopes of people who were anticipating the announcement of the formation of a new political party, but nonetheless, was in his usual elements as he characteristically hit hard at the Mills administration over what he believes to be the derailment of the values and ideals of the June 4 revolution.

Addressing the gathering at the 33rd Anniversary celebration of the Uprising at the Victoria Park in Aflao, the former president minced no words in saying the current administration had run itself into a ditch.

??We are already in the ditch. We didn?t enter the ditch today?we have had every opportunity not to enter the ditch?,? Mr Rawlings said.

This year?s celebration was not without controversy as some traditional leaders in Aflao issued a statement last week banning the commemoration of the event in the area for the fear of losing out on development. Though they did rescind their decision, they however said they will not partake in the celebration.

A charged Mr Rawlings, who wondered how the NDC was going to win this year?s election after rejecting the values of June 4, also questioned why some NDC and government officials boycotted the celebration of an event which ?was given to us by God.?

“Why is our own party afraid of June 4th?…How can you beat Nana Akufo Addo and the NPP when you are rejecting the values of June 4? How can you win when you are afraid of the values of June 4, freedom and justice?” the former president quizzed.

Earlier, former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, had denied ever receiving $5 million from the government for the Nsawam Cannery, saying ?integrity is like a dress I wear. I live by integrity.?

Speaking to the teeming supporters at the Victoria Park, Mrs Rawlings, who denied being the owner of the Cannery, slammed the government for instilling fear in people who dare to criticize it.

??people who tried to correct the ills in the government were crashed with a sledge hammer,? she said.