Kufuor May Be Unopposed for Nomination

The New Patriotic Party has given the first indications that the President, Mr. John Agyekum Kufuor may be returned unopposed as the party's candidate for Election 2004. This hint was given at the party's first major political rally in Accra since the party won the December 2000 elections.

At the rally which took place at Mantse Agbonaa in Accra, last weekend, the President, in ebullient mood assured Ghanaians that his government is laying the foundation for sound social, economic and democratic development. In this regard it would not tolerate anybody or group of persons who would try to destabilise the newfound sound political environment in the country. "We are laying the foundation for a democratic and prosperous social development. We do not want trouble, Ghanaians are peace-loving people but anyone who under the cover of darkness would disturb the peace would not be spared."

The rally was held to round off activities to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). President Kufuor said the government would not renege on its electoral promises and asked Ghanaians to exercise patience and restraint since their "thumbs" would judge the achievements of the government come election 2004.

Underscoring some of the programmes and strategies underway to transform the country President Kufuor said success can only be achieved in an atmosphere of law and order. In this regard he said the Ghana Police Service would by the end of this year equipped with about 600 vehicles to help maintain law and order.

He said: "When the NPP assumed power the Ghana Police Service had less than 100 vehicles. It is unfortunate for some one to say this party is the worse Ghana has ever had."

Mr. Agyekum Kufuor said government would not only ensure that the rule of law thrives in the country but would also provide economic development.

"We did not only come with freedom and democracy. It was accompanied by economic development. We can not use only a year to achieve all [our promises] so Ghanaians should be patient."

He said education is the key to progress and therefore by the end of this year about twenty Senior Secondary Schools (SSS) in some selected districts would be upgraded to Grade A level and this would be replicated in other districts before the four-year term ends.

The Senior Minister, Mr. Joseph Henry Mensah in an optimistic mood said government would embark on more development projects to enhance the living standards of the populace. For instance, he said detractors of the government have been shamed when government started disbursing the fruits of HIPC.

On the political scene, the Senior Minister let drop a major hint about what the party may decide on in its congress to select a presidential candidate. He said while the other political parties were struggling to nominate their flag bearer, the NPP already had a candidate in the person of President Kufuor.

He said the main opposition party, National Democratic Congress (NDC)

was dying; "they are killing their own party, which would be dead by 2004."

He disclosed that this week the government would disburse about (14bn out of gains made from the HIPC initiative to farmers. He said this would provide jobs to about 45,000 farmers throughout the country.

He said the party would not be cowed by who ever emerges as the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) which is the largest opposition party in the country since the NPP has a more refined and experienced leader.

He called on contractors awarded contracts to execute them properly in order not to disgrace the government and said defaulters would also be called to account.

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr. Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu announced that an amount of ¢117bn out of the gains made from the HIPC initiative is to be used to support district assemblies' projects. The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) is to get ¢3.5bn and each district would be allotted (1bn each to undertake infrastructure projects such as clinics, schools and public places of convenience.

He said projects would soon at the district level and urged all workers to get involved since it would serve as a source of employment and promised that transparency would prevail when contracts are given.

The National Chariman of the NPP, Mr. Harona Esseku said, "the party would preserve the constitution and to work hard for the progress and property of the country." Sheikh Ibrahim C. Quaye, Greater Accra Regional Minister, expressed government's appreciation to the members and supporters of the party for their loyalty within the past 10 years and asked them to continue with their steadfastness for the success of government's policies and programmes.