Akropong (E/R), Nov 17, GNA - The chiefs and people of Akuapem North and Akuapem South districts on Friday expressed shock about the motor accident involving President John Agyekum Kufuor and asked for divine guidance for him.

They wished the president well and thanked God for sparing his life. These sentiments were expressed when Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama paid separate courtesy calls on Oseadeayo Addo Dankwah II, Paramount Chief of Akuapem Traditional Area and Otoobour Djan Kwasi II, Chief of Aburi, to announce his bid to be elected the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for Election 2008. Oseadeayo Addo Dankwah appealed to the government to upgrade the Presbyterian Training College and subsequently transform it into a university.

He described Vice President Mahama as a physically and mentally capable person without blemish who could lead the NPP.

Otoobour Djan Kwasi appealed to the government to expand the Aburi Botanical Gardens and provide hospitality services for the facility. He also appealed to the government to set up a committee to oversee the paying of compensation to people affected by the rehabilitation of the Peduase Presidential Lodge.

Vice President Mahama said it was God who appointed leaders hence his desire to seek the blessing of chiefs, Christians and Moslems for his presidential bid.

He said he had never been an armchair politician and was the best to lead Ghana after President Kufuor.

"Nobody can continue with the good works of President Kufuor better than Aliu Mahama," he said.

Vice President Mahama later attended the funeral of 80-year- old Barimah Adu Korkoor II, Chief of Adoagyiri near Nsawam and presented cash and assorted drinks to the bereaved family. 17 Nov 07