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Former President Jerry John Rawlings has urged all stakeholders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to respect the party�s structures and to channel all their grievances through them. In a message to congratulate delegates who participated in the just ended 8th National Delegates Congress of the party, he said the refusal of party members to channel grievances through such structures, �had allowed some opportunists to take advantage of the situation�. �I know there have been complaints of some party leaders refusing to open their doors to constituency executives and other members who have grievances or contributions. I am convinced however that after the success of the Congress and the election of fresh and dynamic persons into the National Executive these weaknesses will be matters of the past. �Members of the newly elected executive should also ensure that they abide by their oath of office and ensure that they do not suffocate the will of the people by ignoring concerns and suggestions made by various departments of the party and members. Members must always feel free to copy and inform my office of any representations they have made to the party,� He said. Flt. Lt. Rawlings said individual members should endeavour to channel their grievances through constituency executives who would in turn channel them to the regional and national executives. �It is important that we allow party structures to work because that is why we have elected people into office. If we allow a situation where individuals direct issues straight to government it may lead to a weakening of the party structure and create mistrust between the party and the government. Such communication also allows the abuse of the party structure leading to some unscrupulous persons using money to influence some members. �I wish to congratulate all members of the NDC, particularly delegates at the Tamale Congress for the manner they conducted themselves and voted with their conscience. The success of the congress is not an end in itself. We need to help the new executives to succeed by respecting and recognising the role they play in the party,� former President Rawlings said. Former President Rawlings, who is also the Founder of the NDC, however noted that party members should not hesitate to criticise and expose executives who fail to respect the ideals of the party or make themselves inaccessible to the membership of the party. �They have been elected to serve your interests and it is imperative that they are exposed if they fail to do so. �I take this opportunity to thank all delegates at congress for making it a success. I also thank and commend members across the country for electing dynamic and progressive people to man constituency and regional executive positions in the party,� He said.