President John Agyekum Kufuor explained that government's option to join the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative was not to portray the country in a bad image to the world.

He said the donor countries had sympathy for the country and cancelled debts owed them when his administration came out with the true economic problems facing the nation, coupled with the sound fiscal and economic policies put in place.

President Kufuor was addressing a durbar of chiefs and people of Dormaa Traditional Area as part of his four-day official visit to Brong Ahafo Region.

He reiterated the government's determination to assist the private sector and farmers in food and cash crop production.

The assistance would be in the form of loans, agricultural extension services and irrigation facilities for the creation of jobs in the rural areas, he added.

Osagyefo Oseadeoyo Agyeman Badu II, Omanhene of Dormaa Traditional Area, welcoming President Kufuor and his entourage, said the people of Dormaa endorsed the government's "zero tolerance for corruption" policy.

He urged President Kufuor not to be deterred by unconstructive criticisms and must continue to ensure accelerated national development.

Oseadeoyo Agyeman Badu appealed to Minister of State and officials to assist the government with their ideas, skills and knowledge to achieve set goals.

It is difficult to rule in Africa, he noted, and urged Ghanaians to support the government.The Omanhene appealed to the government to rehabilitate roads in the area to boost economic activities.

He commended President Kufuor for touring rural areas and not concentrating on regional capitals, adding, "it is an indication that he did not come to divide Ghanaians".