Regional News of Saturday, 15 May 2004

Source: GNA

Don't elect people to positions merely on academic qualification and

money

Kumasi, May 15, GNA - The Most Reverend Gabriel Justice Anokye, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Kumasi Catholic Archdiocese, has asked Ghanaians not to elect people to political office on the basis of their money or academic qualification. He said though money and academic qualifications were important to the development of a country that alone should not be the yardstick for appointing or electing people into high positions.

Bishop Anokye mentioned personal experience, humility, devotion to duty, discipline, commitment to the service of the people and sociability as some of the qualities, which must be taken into consideration. He pointed out that people elected to such positions based on their wealth invariably turn round to recoup the money they spent in canvassing for their election or for the position.

Bishop Anokye therefore called on Ghanaians not to allow themselves to be influenced by money in the December presidential and parliamentary elections. He also asked the politicians to ensure that this year's campaign is peaceful by avoiding the use of inflammatory language. Radio stations should also avoid encouraging people to use uncomplimentary language during their phone-in segment of their programmes.