Demonstrate A Sense Of Responsibility In Elections - President J.A.Kufuor

President John Agyekum Kufuor addressing the Parade  The President, Mr John Agyekum Kufuor has called on all political parties and citizens of Ghana to demonstrate a sense of responsibility in the upcoming Presidential and Parliamentary Elections scheduled for December 7 2008.

'Peaceful and credible elections cannot be the sole responsibility of the government but all in general', he stressed

Speaking at the 51st Independence Anniversary Parade of schoolchildren and security agencies at the Independence Square in Accra last Thursday, the President reiterated that 'Government is committed to the conduct of peaceful and credible Elections.'

He observed that the fundamental role of the Electoral Commission could not be regarded as less capable than in reality, adding that 'the integrity of the electoral machinery and the personnel should not be in doubt.'

He noted that there were examples of peaceful, prosperous countries that have quickly degenerated into anarchy because of a flawed electoral process.

He call on the Commission 'to referee the electoral proceedings including registration, voting, counting and declaration of results with impartiality, neutrality and transparent honesty to make the contesting parties and the entire electorates feel proud of the outcome, win or lose.'

President Kufuor stated that the nation was developing in freedom with a strong platform set and ready for accelerated growth.

'All the requisite assets to achieve the status of a middle-level income economy within the next decade are in place,' he said.

These assets he pointed out included a fast and improving human resource base that was being nurtured through the New Educational Reform Programme which emphasized science, technology and ICT - which he described as the critical tools for mainstreaming the country into the global world.

The president appealed to all Ghanaians to play their respective roles, individually and collectively, to make the electoral process a resounding success. President Kufuor noted that he was mindful of the fact that  he was expected to hand over to his successor to administer a united and peaceful country.