The presidential aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has said if given the nod in the December 7 general election, his presidency will ensure that the school-feeding programme is extended to all basic schools in the country.
He said the programme, currently being implemented on a pilot basis, would form part of his strategy to encourage more Ghanaians to access education.
Addressing a mini-durbar at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Junction in Kumasi yesterday, Nana Akufo-Addo, said in view of the importance of literacy in national development he would make education the cornerstone of his development agenda.
After he had been introduced by President J.A. Kufuor at the rally, Nana Akufo-Addo told the party faithful that a critical study of the development experience of countries such Singapore and Korea clearly indicated that literacy and education were some of the factors which were responsible for their economic growth and achievement.
Before introducing his running mate, Dr Bawumia, Nana Akufo-Addo asked the electorate to give him their mandate in the December 7 general election since his candidature represented the brightest opportunity and future of the country and the people.
Earlier, President J.A. Kufuor had introduced Nana Akufo-Addo to the party faithful and a section of residents of Ayigya, and asked them to vote massively for the candidate in the forthcoming elections.
The President said the Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr Bawumia ticket was a winning team, and asked the electorate to ensure that the December 7 election would be a one-touch win for Nana Akufo-Addo.
Other speakers at the rally were Mr Yaw Osafo-Maafo, Mr Alan Kyeremanteng and Mr Kwabena Agyepong, who underscored the need for the electorate to vote for the NPP for a better future.
They said the necessary foundation had been laid by the Kufuor Administration, and there was the need for the ruling party to build on it.
On Wednesday, President Kufuor introduced Nana Akufo-Addo at mini rallies at Subin, Bantama, Kwadaso and Asafo.
At all the rallies, party faithful and a section of the residents of Kumasi gave the entourage a rousing welcome.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
KOTOKO, LIBERTY BATTLE TO A DRAW (BACK PAGE)
LIBERTY Professionals put up a plucky performance to maintain their leadership on the Glo Top 4 tournament when they fought Asante Kotoko to a 1-1 drawn game at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi yesterday night.
Kotoko Coach, Bashir Hayford, kept faith with his Africa squad but their efforts were not enough to avenge the 2-1defeat they suffered at the hands of the visitors in the first leg in Accra.
The game flowed beautifully and for once Kumasi fans had something to cheer about in the competition.
When Eric Bekoe failed to connect Jordan Opoku's right-sided cross in the 8th minute, Liberty organised to put themselves in the game and Tuah Khemix, Yaw Antwi and Mustapha Essuman probed for the leader.
Determined never to allow Liberty to repeat their Accra feat, Kotoko fought back fiercely switching play to the flanks but keeper Daniel Agyei of Liberty was in superb form to save the day.
The keeper scored full marks in the 37th minute stopping a three-prong attack from Bekoe, Kuffuor and Jordan.
Prowling in the Liberty area, Bekoe was fed with a cross in the 44th minute and provided a piercing header, which hit the post.
Kwadwo Poku substituted Osei Kuffuor who appeared clumsy on the night and the striker's trademark surging runs on the flanks began to tell positively on the Kotoko game.
But it was Liberty who fetched the leader with a superb goal from Tuah Khemix after Eric Boakye had done the spadework for him in the 66th minute.
The goal scorer, who was a constant threat to Kotoko was shown the red card three minutes to time for a second bookable offence.
He, however, delayed the game for about four minutes as he defiantly refused to leave the field as officials and security personnel looked on helplessly.
With their pride at stake, Kotoko brought fire into the game with Inkoom doing some brilliant runs from the back to feed the attack.
It came as no surprise when Bekoe levelled up for Kotoko in the 72nd minute connecting a left sided cross from close range.
Kotoko Coach, Bashir Hayford, kept faith with his Africa squad but their efforts were not enough to avenge the 2-1defeat they suffered at the hands of the visitors in the first leg in Accra.
The game flowed beautifully and for once Kumasi fans had something to cheer about in the competition.
When Eric Bekoe failed to connect Jordan Opoku's right-sided cross in the 8th minute, Liberty organised to put themselves in the game and Tuah Khemix, Yaw Antwi and Mustapha Essuman probed for the leader.
Determined never to allow Liberty to repeat their Accra feat, Kotoko fought back fiercely switching play to the flanks but keeper Daniel Agyei of Liberty was in superb form to save the day.
The keeper scored full marks in the 37th minute stopping a three-prong attack from Bekoe, Kuffuor and Jordan.
Prowling in the Liberty area, Bekoe was fed with a cross in the 44th minute and provided a piercing header, which hit the post.
Kwadwo Poku substituted Osei Kuffuor who appeared clumsy on the night and the striker's trademark surging runs on the flanks began to tell positively on the Kotoko game.
But it was Liberty who fetched the leader with a superb goal from Tuah Khemix after Eric Boakye had done the spadework for him in the 66th minute.
The goal scorer, who was a constant threat to Kotoko was shown the red card three minutes to time for a second bookable offence.
He, however, delayed the game for about four minutes as he defiantly refused to leave the field as officials and security personnel looked on helplessly.
With their pride at stake, Kotoko brought fire into the game with Inkoom doing some brilliant runs from the back to feed the attack.
It came as no surprise when Bekoe levelled up for Kotoko in the 72nd minute connecting a left sided cross from close range.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
AKUFO-ADDO WILL BE GOOD PRESIDENT (SPREAD)
THE Asanteman Council has declared its confidence in Nana Akufo-Addo as a thoroughbred politician with the capability to lead the nation to progress when elected President.
At a mini-durbar at the Manhyia Palace, presided over by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, all the chiefs said with President Kufuor’s endorsement of Nana Akufo-Addo, coupled with the flag bearer's own remarkable history as a politician and legal brain, there was little doubt that he would perform creditably when given the mandate.
The durbar was organised yesterday to welcome Nana Akufo-Addo and his running mate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, at the start of their eight-day campaign tour of the Ashanti Region.
President Kufuor took the opportunity to formally introduce Nana Akufo-Addo and his running mate to Otumfuo and sought Otumfuo's blessings to enable them to win the elections, to which the Otumfuo obliged and said, "I bless you to have a successful election, especially as you come from the Oyoko Clan of which I am the leader."
Introducing Nana Akufo-Addo, President Kufuor said Nana Addo served with distinction in two ministries under his presidency and it was not surprising that the NPP elected him to contest the presidential poll.
The President, who also used the occasion to thank Otumfuo and Asanteman for supporting him in his administration, said, "I think I have not disappointed you."
He submitted that the achievements his government had chalked up was unprecedented in the history of the nation but noted that this could not have been achieved without the support of Asanteman.
He appealed to Otumfuo and Nananom to extend similar support to Nana Akufo-Addo when he became President.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu said even though, as Asantehene, he could not publicly declare his support for any political party, " I can tell you that it is where I look that my people also look".
He urged Nana Akufo-Addo to be truthful, honest and dedicated to the task before him, stressing that he and his people would support him when he became the president of Ghana.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu challenged all presidential aspirants and their followers to show respect to one another as the campaign for the December polls heated up.
He said insults, physical attacks and insinuations that had bedevilled the political campaigns were a source of concern to him because such actions could drive the country backwards.
He said Ghana needed peace because without that the development the people were yearning for would elude them.
The Asantehene commended President Kufuor for the good work he had done for the nation and said at the appropriate time, Asanteman would honour him.
In his short address, Nana Akufo-Addo said the blessings of the Asantehene were crucial to his victory in the elections.
"I respect Otumfuo and I can never do anything without first receiving his blessing," he said to cheers from the gathering.
Nana Akufo-Addo promised that he would continue the unfinished business of President Kufour when he assumed the presidency.
He said he and the NPP respected the chieftaincy institution and would do everything to help protect its image when he became President.
The NPP flag bearer promised that the Kejetia interchange and the upgrading of the Kumasi airport to international standard, which are on the drawing board, would be undertaken under his administration.
At a mini-durbar at the Manhyia Palace, presided over by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, all the chiefs said with President Kufuor’s endorsement of Nana Akufo-Addo, coupled with the flag bearer's own remarkable history as a politician and legal brain, there was little doubt that he would perform creditably when given the mandate.
The durbar was organised yesterday to welcome Nana Akufo-Addo and his running mate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, at the start of their eight-day campaign tour of the Ashanti Region.
President Kufuor took the opportunity to formally introduce Nana Akufo-Addo and his running mate to Otumfuo and sought Otumfuo's blessings to enable them to win the elections, to which the Otumfuo obliged and said, "I bless you to have a successful election, especially as you come from the Oyoko Clan of which I am the leader."
Introducing Nana Akufo-Addo, President Kufuor said Nana Addo served with distinction in two ministries under his presidency and it was not surprising that the NPP elected him to contest the presidential poll.
The President, who also used the occasion to thank Otumfuo and Asanteman for supporting him in his administration, said, "I think I have not disappointed you."
He submitted that the achievements his government had chalked up was unprecedented in the history of the nation but noted that this could not have been achieved without the support of Asanteman.
He appealed to Otumfuo and Nananom to extend similar support to Nana Akufo-Addo when he became President.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu said even though, as Asantehene, he could not publicly declare his support for any political party, " I can tell you that it is where I look that my people also look".
He urged Nana Akufo-Addo to be truthful, honest and dedicated to the task before him, stressing that he and his people would support him when he became the president of Ghana.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu challenged all presidential aspirants and their followers to show respect to one another as the campaign for the December polls heated up.
He said insults, physical attacks and insinuations that had bedevilled the political campaigns were a source of concern to him because such actions could drive the country backwards.
He said Ghana needed peace because without that the development the people were yearning for would elude them.
The Asantehene commended President Kufuor for the good work he had done for the nation and said at the appropriate time, Asanteman would honour him.
In his short address, Nana Akufo-Addo said the blessings of the Asantehene were crucial to his victory in the elections.
"I respect Otumfuo and I can never do anything without first receiving his blessing," he said to cheers from the gathering.
Nana Akufo-Addo promised that he would continue the unfinished business of President Kufour when he assumed the presidency.
He said he and the NPP respected the chieftaincy institution and would do everything to help protect its image when he became President.
The NPP flag bearer promised that the Kejetia interchange and the upgrading of the Kumasi airport to international standard, which are on the drawing board, would be undertaken under his administration.
BRING MOTORS RIDERS TO ORDER (PAGE 29)
SOMETHING dangerous has been going on in Kumasi that one cannot just gloss over.
Particularly, I am referring to the way bicycles and motorbike riders misconduct themselves on the roads at the risk of their own lives and those of unsuspecting pedestrains.
The negative practice goes on in almost every place in the metropolis, especially in such areas as Asawasi, Aboabo, Alabar, Tafo, Sepe, among others, where it is quite predominant.
Quite surprisingly, a number of people erroneously point fingers at drivers when an issue of road safety crops up for discussion. Discussants tend to forget that motorbike and bicycle riders and indeed, all other road users, have a role to play in maintaining effective road safety.
At times, I ask myself whether the law enforcement agencies in the metropolis are up to the task before them. They seem to be overwhelmed by the situation. This is so because even when the police personnel are around, these riders still do their own thing by riding recklessly on the roads.
Many of the motorbikes on the roads are, however, not licensed, yet people use them for all manner of activities in the Kumasi metropolis. Young men are always found without crash helmets on their motorbikes, and so one can imagine the kind of risk associated with this deadly practice.
It is also a common spectacle to find three people or more without crash helmets on a motorbike, driving at top speed. This has made driving very dangerous in Kumasi because of the way these riders manoeuvre their way through traffic. As a result of this act, a number of riders have been knocked down, resulting in deaths or serious injuries.
With the electioneering heating up, you can trust these miscreants to continue to do their own thing. At least, I have witnessed three of such occasions during visits to the city by Nana Akufo-Addo and Professor John Atta Mills.
The National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) office in Kumasi has persistently indicated that there is an increase in accidents involving motorbike riders in the city, and stressed the need for them to strictly observe road safety laws and regulations. Yet, it seems, not much has come out of this clarion call.
At a recent educational programme organised by the NRSC, the Ashanti Regional Co-ordinator of NRSC, Mr Kwaku Oware Boateng, warned that motorbike and bicycle riders would not be spared if they went contrary to the existing rules and regulations.
Mr Boateng and his team have, therefore, risen up against any suspected motorbike in every corner of the city because he believes that the riders are a real threat to safety on the roads.
I presume Mr Boateng was talking about arrests and prosecutions when he issued the warning to the riders. But it remains to be seen if the threat could be carried out because of the history behind the arrests of riders. They will be arrested, but prosecution is most often a remote consideration.
Surely, the NRSC should keep to its words because it is difficult to understand why riders would fail to stop at traffic lights when the red lights are on, or even refuse to obey road signs.
Unfortunately, some armed robbers and other criminals are deep into the practice of using motorbikes in their illicit activities. They ride at top speed to snatch people’s bags, mobile phones and other belongings in broad daylight. Mostly, these motorbike that are used for these nefarious activities are not licensed.
It is, therefore, important for the NRSC to intensify its efforts at controlling the misuse of motorbikes and bicycles in the city to save lives and property.
The regional office of the commission must continue with the educational programme that it has embarked on in the metropolis because of the inherent benefits in it. Perhaps, the time has come for city planners to take another look at the way our streets are constructed.
I have never been to Tamale, but I am told special lanes have been constructed for bicycles to cut down on road accidents. If possible, similar designs must equally be made in Kumasi, especially in areas where human and vehicular traffic is heavy.
Particularly, I am referring to the way bicycles and motorbike riders misconduct themselves on the roads at the risk of their own lives and those of unsuspecting pedestrains.
The negative practice goes on in almost every place in the metropolis, especially in such areas as Asawasi, Aboabo, Alabar, Tafo, Sepe, among others, where it is quite predominant.
Quite surprisingly, a number of people erroneously point fingers at drivers when an issue of road safety crops up for discussion. Discussants tend to forget that motorbike and bicycle riders and indeed, all other road users, have a role to play in maintaining effective road safety.
At times, I ask myself whether the law enforcement agencies in the metropolis are up to the task before them. They seem to be overwhelmed by the situation. This is so because even when the police personnel are around, these riders still do their own thing by riding recklessly on the roads.
Many of the motorbikes on the roads are, however, not licensed, yet people use them for all manner of activities in the Kumasi metropolis. Young men are always found without crash helmets on their motorbikes, and so one can imagine the kind of risk associated with this deadly practice.
It is also a common spectacle to find three people or more without crash helmets on a motorbike, driving at top speed. This has made driving very dangerous in Kumasi because of the way these riders manoeuvre their way through traffic. As a result of this act, a number of riders have been knocked down, resulting in deaths or serious injuries.
With the electioneering heating up, you can trust these miscreants to continue to do their own thing. At least, I have witnessed three of such occasions during visits to the city by Nana Akufo-Addo and Professor John Atta Mills.
The National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) office in Kumasi has persistently indicated that there is an increase in accidents involving motorbike riders in the city, and stressed the need for them to strictly observe road safety laws and regulations. Yet, it seems, not much has come out of this clarion call.
At a recent educational programme organised by the NRSC, the Ashanti Regional Co-ordinator of NRSC, Mr Kwaku Oware Boateng, warned that motorbike and bicycle riders would not be spared if they went contrary to the existing rules and regulations.
Mr Boateng and his team have, therefore, risen up against any suspected motorbike in every corner of the city because he believes that the riders are a real threat to safety on the roads.
I presume Mr Boateng was talking about arrests and prosecutions when he issued the warning to the riders. But it remains to be seen if the threat could be carried out because of the history behind the arrests of riders. They will be arrested, but prosecution is most often a remote consideration.
Surely, the NRSC should keep to its words because it is difficult to understand why riders would fail to stop at traffic lights when the red lights are on, or even refuse to obey road signs.
Unfortunately, some armed robbers and other criminals are deep into the practice of using motorbikes in their illicit activities. They ride at top speed to snatch people’s bags, mobile phones and other belongings in broad daylight. Mostly, these motorbike that are used for these nefarious activities are not licensed.
It is, therefore, important for the NRSC to intensify its efforts at controlling the misuse of motorbikes and bicycles in the city to save lives and property.
The regional office of the commission must continue with the educational programme that it has embarked on in the metropolis because of the inherent benefits in it. Perhaps, the time has come for city planners to take another look at the way our streets are constructed.
I have never been to Tamale, but I am told special lanes have been constructed for bicycles to cut down on road accidents. If possible, similar designs must equally be made in Kumasi, especially in areas where human and vehicular traffic is heavy.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Operation lift Kotoko from bottom rungs...WILL KUFFOUR BE PART OF COACH'S PLAN? (GRAPHIC SPORTS, BACK PAGE)
AS Kumasi Asante Kotoko brace up for a showdown with Algerian giants JS Kabylie on Saturday, questions are being asked whether skipper Emmanuel Osei Kuffour has lost his place in the first team.
The experienced forward has not seen playing time since he completed serving his two-match ban following a red card he received in Kotoko’s game against Al-Ittihad in Tripoli.
All manner of meanings are being read into his absence, and it remains to be seen whether coach Bashir Hayford will turn to his skipper as Kotoko move to lift themselves from the bottom placing of their group in the CAF Confederation Cup.
North African sides have become a monster for Asante Kotoko on their home grounds in the same way as Kotoko have proved remorseless against their opponents from the North in Kumasi. Therefore when they encounter Algerian giants, JS Kabylie, at the Baba Yara Stadium in a CAF Confederation group game, the Porcupine Warriors are expected to step up gear to maintain the status quo.
Even though all four teams in the group are tied up at three points, Asante Kotoko find themselves at the bottom of the ladder due to inferior goals, and they can only go all out for a good win to lift them from the bottom placing.
With all teams winning their home matches and losing away, it appears home teams will be out to gain the maximum points in the coming round of matches.
Significantly for Kotoko, they have not lost ambition, believing that they have a team whose ability to deliver is unquestionable.
While Kotoko will be moving to maintain their untainted home run, the Algerian side will be out seeking their first away win on Ghanaian soil.
Kotoko, who went through a terrible experience at the hands of El-Merrikh before winning 1-0 in Kumasi in the last group game, may have learnt their lessons very well and can hardly take things for granted as the competition progresses.
JS Kabylie are not new to Ghanaian soil. Five times they had done battles in Ghana against Kotoko, Hearts of Oak, and Ashanti Gold, securing only one draw against Ashanti Gold at Obuasi and losing the rest of the matches.
The visiting Algerian team cannot be taken lightly. They play the typical intricate passing deadly game when let loose.
They will be moving very hard to attempt at least a point in Kumasi to boost their campaign.
The intensity of the match will therefore be higher, but tactical discipline will be a deciding factor.
Supporters of the Ghanaian champions are thirsty for continental glory after 25 long years of drought, and the players who will line up for the showdown on Saturday have a duty to bring hope to the massive following of the club.
But the supporters' propensity to shout at the players when the going gets tough could be counter productive and should be discouraged. Kwabena Yaro has been a victim of the supporters' behaviour and it looks like the player's confidence is dwindling by the day.
With a wealth of talents to choose from, coach Bashir Hayford has the opportunity to pick a team that can scale the hurdle.
Once again all eyes will be on Eric Bekoe who remains the arrowhead of the team.
Goals are so crucial in this championship and Kotoko cannot afford to throw away begging chances as it happened in the game against El-Merrikh.
The recruitment of former Heart of Lions defender, Ofosu Appiah, has brought some steel into the Kotoko rear. He commands so much influence at the back where he plays in the middle.
However. some work needs to be done with the defence to prevent their opponents from getting any goals.
The experienced forward has not seen playing time since he completed serving his two-match ban following a red card he received in Kotoko’s game against Al-Ittihad in Tripoli.
All manner of meanings are being read into his absence, and it remains to be seen whether coach Bashir Hayford will turn to his skipper as Kotoko move to lift themselves from the bottom placing of their group in the CAF Confederation Cup.
North African sides have become a monster for Asante Kotoko on their home grounds in the same way as Kotoko have proved remorseless against their opponents from the North in Kumasi. Therefore when they encounter Algerian giants, JS Kabylie, at the Baba Yara Stadium in a CAF Confederation group game, the Porcupine Warriors are expected to step up gear to maintain the status quo.
Even though all four teams in the group are tied up at three points, Asante Kotoko find themselves at the bottom of the ladder due to inferior goals, and they can only go all out for a good win to lift them from the bottom placing.
With all teams winning their home matches and losing away, it appears home teams will be out to gain the maximum points in the coming round of matches.
Significantly for Kotoko, they have not lost ambition, believing that they have a team whose ability to deliver is unquestionable.
While Kotoko will be moving to maintain their untainted home run, the Algerian side will be out seeking their first away win on Ghanaian soil.
Kotoko, who went through a terrible experience at the hands of El-Merrikh before winning 1-0 in Kumasi in the last group game, may have learnt their lessons very well and can hardly take things for granted as the competition progresses.
JS Kabylie are not new to Ghanaian soil. Five times they had done battles in Ghana against Kotoko, Hearts of Oak, and Ashanti Gold, securing only one draw against Ashanti Gold at Obuasi and losing the rest of the matches.
The visiting Algerian team cannot be taken lightly. They play the typical intricate passing deadly game when let loose.
They will be moving very hard to attempt at least a point in Kumasi to boost their campaign.
The intensity of the match will therefore be higher, but tactical discipline will be a deciding factor.
Supporters of the Ghanaian champions are thirsty for continental glory after 25 long years of drought, and the players who will line up for the showdown on Saturday have a duty to bring hope to the massive following of the club.
But the supporters' propensity to shout at the players when the going gets tough could be counter productive and should be discouraged. Kwabena Yaro has been a victim of the supporters' behaviour and it looks like the player's confidence is dwindling by the day.
With a wealth of talents to choose from, coach Bashir Hayford has the opportunity to pick a team that can scale the hurdle.
Once again all eyes will be on Eric Bekoe who remains the arrowhead of the team.
Goals are so crucial in this championship and Kotoko cannot afford to throw away begging chances as it happened in the game against El-Merrikh.
The recruitment of former Heart of Lions defender, Ofosu Appiah, has brought some steel into the Kotoko rear. He commands so much influence at the back where he plays in the middle.
However. some work needs to be done with the defence to prevent their opponents from getting any goals.
RAWLINGS WON'T BE GIVEN MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENT (PAGE 16)
THE vice-presidential aspirant of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr John Dramani Mahama, has said it is not true that former President Jerry John Rawlings will be given a ministerial appointment when the NDC wins the December elections.
According to Mr Mahama, former President Rawlings had not been slated for any ministerial position but would be given all the necessary assistance and respect as a former head of state who had played a remarkable role in the administration of the country.
Mr Mahama, who said former President Rawlings cherished democracy and that was why he peacefully relinquished power after the NDC lost the 2000 elections, added that such a man was above any ministerial appointment but would be accorded the necessary assistance and dignity he deserved.
The vice-presidential aspirant described as false and baseless a publication in one of the newspapers to the effect that the party had already formed its cabinet.
Mr Mahama, who was on tour to the Yilo and Manya Krobo traditional areas of the Eastern Region, debunked such allegations when he addressed a grand durbar in Somanya.
He said although there were all indications that the NDC would win the December elections and form the next government, as of now, no cabinet had been formed, and added that that would only be done after the party had been declared the winner at the polls.
"Although the NDC will definitely win the elections and form the next government due to the failure of the Kufuor Administration, as at now no cabinet has been formed and former President Rawlings would not also be given any ministerial appointment, which is lower than his status, considering the significant role he played in the country's development and democratic dispensation," Mr Mahama stated.
He advised the media to be circumspect in its reportage to help sustain the country's fledgling democracy.
According to Mr Mahama, former President Rawlings had not been slated for any ministerial position but would be given all the necessary assistance and respect as a former head of state who had played a remarkable role in the administration of the country.
Mr Mahama, who said former President Rawlings cherished democracy and that was why he peacefully relinquished power after the NDC lost the 2000 elections, added that such a man was above any ministerial appointment but would be accorded the necessary assistance and dignity he deserved.
The vice-presidential aspirant described as false and baseless a publication in one of the newspapers to the effect that the party had already formed its cabinet.
Mr Mahama, who was on tour to the Yilo and Manya Krobo traditional areas of the Eastern Region, debunked such allegations when he addressed a grand durbar in Somanya.
He said although there were all indications that the NDC would win the December elections and form the next government, as of now, no cabinet had been formed, and added that that would only be done after the party had been declared the winner at the polls.
"Although the NDC will definitely win the elections and form the next government due to the failure of the Kufuor Administration, as at now no cabinet has been formed and former President Rawlings would not also be given any ministerial appointment, which is lower than his status, considering the significant role he played in the country's development and democratic dispensation," Mr Mahama stated.
He advised the media to be circumspect in its reportage to help sustain the country's fledgling democracy.
I'LL OFFER ADVICE TO NEXT PRESIDENT...Says President Kufuor
zAS he begins to count his final days as President of the Republic, Mr John Agyekum Kufuor has given hints of how he would spend his retirement, saying, "I will stay back and offer advise to the next President, Nana Akufo- Addo".
The President said he would use the rich experience he had gained in the forty years of his political career to the full benefit of Nana Akufo-Addo and the next NPP government through pieces of good advise, to move the nation forward.
Addressing a rally of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at Abuakwa in the Atwima Nwabiagya District in the Ashanti Region last Sunday, President Kufuor said he was proud of what he had achieved for his nation as President, and expressed the hope that his successor would build on what he started.
The President, who spoke in Twi' to continuous cheers from the party supporters, said Nana Akufo-Addo had the wherewithal to lead the nation, especially as he would be taking office with Dr Mahamadu Bawumia, a young man with plenty of ideas as the Vice President.
The well-attended rally was part of President Kufuor's campaign towards getting the electorate to retain the NPP in power in the December 7 polls.
It was also to thank the people of Atwima Nwabiagya, the President's home district, for supporting him in his long political career.
In 1969, the people of Atwima Nwabiagya elected Mr Kufuor, in his twenties, to Parliament from where he became the Deputy Foreign Minister in the Progress Party PP government.
The NPP is embarking on a three-prong attack towards the elections.
On one hand is the presidential candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo while President Kufuor and Dr Mahamadu Bawumia lead the other campaigns.
President Kufuor said he could not have chosen a better place to launch the campaign because it was in the constituency that he started his political career.
He called on the electorate to be wary of politicians who are promising heavens, saying, "they have been in power before and their records show they have nothing to offer".
Appearing somehow sarcastic, President Kufuor said of the NDC, "Even when they were young they could not do anything and not now that they have grown old" what else can they do?"
"They wasted the 19 years they had and Ghanaians should not play into their tricks again", the President said.
Mr Kufuor pointed out that the NPP government had done enough to be retained in power.
He mentioned the massive infrastructure development that the nation had witnessed within the last seven years, the capitation grant, the national health insurance scheme and other laudable initiatives of the
government, and said they had greatly pushed the nation's development agenda forward.
President Kufuor expressed regret about statements by some people that there was no money in the pockets of the people.
He pointed out that it was only lazy people who would make such complaints, stressing that the government had created opportunities for people to enter various jobs to better their lot.
He observed that the increment in the producer price of cocoa was a testimony of his government's commitment to see farmers receive a fair share of the revenue accruing to the nation from cocoa.
President Kufuor stated that bonuses to cocoa farmers would be paid twice every year.
He told NPP members who had decided to go independent to be wary of their action, saying such persons could not claim they supported Nana Akufo-Addo.
He, therefore, advised the people of the Atwima Nwabiagya constituency, especially NPP supporters, to vote for the NPP parliamentary candidate, Mr Benito Owusu Bio.
The President assured the gathering that the oil money that would accrue to Ghana would not go into the pockets of officials but would be wisely used for the benefit of the nation.
Mr J.H. Mensah, Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), said from all indications, Ghanaians were going to vote massively for the NPP in the general elections.
He called on the people not to give in to the politicians who preached violence, saying the NPP would always do "clean politics" because the people of the country deserved better.
The President said he would use the rich experience he had gained in the forty years of his political career to the full benefit of Nana Akufo-Addo and the next NPP government through pieces of good advise, to move the nation forward.
Addressing a rally of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at Abuakwa in the Atwima Nwabiagya District in the Ashanti Region last Sunday, President Kufuor said he was proud of what he had achieved for his nation as President, and expressed the hope that his successor would build on what he started.
The President, who spoke in Twi' to continuous cheers from the party supporters, said Nana Akufo-Addo had the wherewithal to lead the nation, especially as he would be taking office with Dr Mahamadu Bawumia, a young man with plenty of ideas as the Vice President.
The well-attended rally was part of President Kufuor's campaign towards getting the electorate to retain the NPP in power in the December 7 polls.
It was also to thank the people of Atwima Nwabiagya, the President's home district, for supporting him in his long political career.
In 1969, the people of Atwima Nwabiagya elected Mr Kufuor, in his twenties, to Parliament from where he became the Deputy Foreign Minister in the Progress Party PP government.
The NPP is embarking on a three-prong attack towards the elections.
On one hand is the presidential candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo while President Kufuor and Dr Mahamadu Bawumia lead the other campaigns.
President Kufuor said he could not have chosen a better place to launch the campaign because it was in the constituency that he started his political career.
He called on the electorate to be wary of politicians who are promising heavens, saying, "they have been in power before and their records show they have nothing to offer".
Appearing somehow sarcastic, President Kufuor said of the NDC, "Even when they were young they could not do anything and not now that they have grown old" what else can they do?"
"They wasted the 19 years they had and Ghanaians should not play into their tricks again", the President said.
Mr Kufuor pointed out that the NPP government had done enough to be retained in power.
He mentioned the massive infrastructure development that the nation had witnessed within the last seven years, the capitation grant, the national health insurance scheme and other laudable initiatives of the
government, and said they had greatly pushed the nation's development agenda forward.
President Kufuor expressed regret about statements by some people that there was no money in the pockets of the people.
He pointed out that it was only lazy people who would make such complaints, stressing that the government had created opportunities for people to enter various jobs to better their lot.
He observed that the increment in the producer price of cocoa was a testimony of his government's commitment to see farmers receive a fair share of the revenue accruing to the nation from cocoa.
President Kufuor stated that bonuses to cocoa farmers would be paid twice every year.
He told NPP members who had decided to go independent to be wary of their action, saying such persons could not claim they supported Nana Akufo-Addo.
He, therefore, advised the people of the Atwima Nwabiagya constituency, especially NPP supporters, to vote for the NPP parliamentary candidate, Mr Benito Owusu Bio.
The President assured the gathering that the oil money that would accrue to Ghana would not go into the pockets of officials but would be wisely used for the benefit of the nation.
Mr J.H. Mensah, Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), said from all indications, Ghanaians were going to vote massively for the NPP in the general elections.
He called on the people not to give in to the politicians who preached violence, saying the NPP would always do "clean politics" because the people of the country deserved better.
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