Sunyani (B/A), July 20, GNA - Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, former first lady, at the weekend accused some journalists of being manipulated by the New Patriotic Party government in the course of their duties. She noted that responsible journalism was a prerequisite to promoting national cohesion, "but journalism influenced by politicians tends to divide the people".

Mrs. Rawlings made the remarks at the inauguration of the Brong-Ahafo Regional chapter of Youth for Leadership, a National Democratic Congress (NDC) political think-tank. The theme for the inauguration held at the Sunyani Polytechnic Auditorium was "Rawlings' legacy, the ideal model for future leadership".

"Some journalists were given 2,000 dollars each during the NPP era to fabricate stories against the NDC, especially its leader, former President Jerry John Rawlings," the former first lady alleged, and said this had negatively affected the image of the NDC.

Mrs. Rawlings said Ghanaians had recognized the good intentions and works of the NDC government by giving it another mandate to govern the nation, and cautioned journalists to assess and criticize the government constructively to facilitate national development. She said it was under the leadership of former President Rawlings that the country experienced probity, accountability, freedom and social justice, stressing "My husband is honest and does not tolerate injustice".

Mr. Eric Opoku, Deputy Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, advised the party's youth to explore new sources of raising revenue to campaign at the grassroots.

He assured Ghanaians that the government had initiated policies and programmes that would create employment opportunities for the youth, and urged them therefore to exercise patience. Mr. Abubakar Musah Seidu, national chairman of YFL, said there was a general lack of knowledge on the part of the up and coming youth about the works of Mr. Rawlings.

He said Youth for Leadership sought to design programmes that would provide platforms for erasing the erroneous impressions about the former President, and instil in the youth his noble principles and values. Mr. Seidu commended Ghanaians for voting NDC back to power, and appealed to all and sundry to rally solidly behind the government to propel the country into the middle income bracket. A 12-member interim executive for YFL was elected into office. 20 July 09