Takoradi Oct. 29, GNA - Former President Jerry John Rawlings on Saturday said Freedom and Justice, the motto of the country, has lost its meaning because of the terror tactics of the government.

Speaking at a "Wahala" rally organised by the Committee for Joint Action (CJA) at Takoradi, he said the people should use the ballot box to restore freedom and justice in 2008.

Ex-president Rawlings said the national anthem embodies values that stand against oppression and upholds human rights. He said acquisition of material wealth through corruption by some members of government and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was not the best.

Mr Rawlings said by allowing illegal acquisition of wealth, President Kufuor was trying to corrupt the moral fabric of the society. He said even if the National Democratic Congress (NDC) were corrupt it would not equal the level of corruption in the NPP government and urged the people to join the peaceful action to change conditions in the country.

Professor John Evans Atta-Mills, Flagbearer of the NDC in the 2004 elections, said the NPP has failed the nation and that was why the government is trying to pass the People's Representation Bill to get people abroad to vote for it in the 2008 elections.

He said the country finds it difficult to finance elections in the country and how much more elections abroad.

The former President and Professor Atta-Mills were among considerable number of members and supporters of CJA that went on a peaceful demonstration through some principal streets in Takoradi against the economic conditions in the country.