From Kwesi Amoafo-Yeboah, Independent Presidential Candidate*

*December 27, 2007*

The holiday season has further evidenced the maturation of the democratic process in Ghana. We have recently witnessed the installation of flag bearers for the PNC, CPP and NPP.

I would like to extend my congratulations to Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo not only for his victory as the NPP flag bearer, but also his service to the nation as Foreign Minister and Attorney-General. Similarly, I extend congratulations to Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom for his service to the nation as Minister and as the elected flag bearer for the CPP.

Also, congrats are in order to Dr. Edward Mahama for his victory as the PNC flag bearer. And, last but certainly not least, I congratulate Professor John Atta Mills of the NDC whose nomination has been known by the country for a while now.

My fellow Ghanaians, these are exciting times in our country's history. Over the last 16 years, we have had the courage, as a people, to move from a military government to one based on the will of the people through a democratic process. Our 50 year evolution has placed us in the enviable position to lead the continent as the shining black star in Africa, as we did when we became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence.

We have an opportunity once again to lead Africa, by demonstrating a successful manifestation of how the democratic process works. As we begin our second 50 years, let us do so with the kind of leadership and vision that Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah provided us when the Gold Coast became Ghana.

Prof. Atta Mills, Dr. Edward Mahama, Nana Akufo-Addo, Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, myself and, indeed, any other presidential candidate that may come to join the list will certainly have a unique vision for Ghana. While the exact means and the exact processes that each candidate has, varies in form and content, I believe in the sincere love that each one of us has for our nation and the sincerity of purpose with which we all offer ourselves for this high public office.

Because of the variety of ideas that each of us is likely to bring, I believe that every Ghanaian eligible voter should have thorough information about each candidate and his vision for the country. The democratic process that we all are seeking to further develop necessitates that a coordinated process be developed for the electorate to have a holistic picture of each presidential candidate and how he plans to run the country if given the mandate by the people.

On the basis of the foregoing, I propose the organization, over the next one year, of 10 Presidential Forums to include all candidates. There will be one such forum in each regional capital. The objective of these forums will be to discuss and debate the issues facing our nation in front of a live audience and via a live simulcast. An organizing committee with representatives from each candidate would determine which topics are discussed at each forum, the format of the forums, the logistics of locations and dates, and all other relevant details.

This structure will create a process for each candidate to address the people and their opponents in a fair, dignified and democratic way. I believe the people deserve nothing less than a clear opportunity to listen to the ideas each candidate has to offer. These are different times. It is no longer enough to tell the people that we are going to reduce the price of petrol. The people need to know how each candidate plans to fulfill campaign promises.

I believe that by working together, we can create a presidential campaign that is transparent, is forward thinking, and an example to be used for generations to come.

Congratulations to all my eminent opponents, and Good Luck!