Kumasi, May 27, GNA - Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Flag bearer of New Patriotic Party (NPP), has appealed to Ghanaians to work hard to protect Ghana's infant democracy.

He said the nation's successful democratic dispensation over the years had gained respect and recognition world-wide therefore, Ghanaians should endeavour to abide by democratic principles and tenets in their activities to help strengthen the democratic structures to ensure a successful and peaceful elections this year. Nana Akufo-Addo made the call at the 30th Anniversary celebration of the installation of Alhaji Osman Tanko as Head of Bisa Community in Ashanti Region in Kumasi at the weekend. It was under the theme "Moulding a Disciplined Bisa Community for a Better Tomorrow."

Nana Akufo-Addo pointed out that Election 2008 was a test case for Ghana and the world was looking up to the nation as to how "we would conduct ourselves before, during and after the elections." He urged opinion leaders in Zongo communities in the country to champion the cause for a peaceful co-existence with other ethnic groups since peace was vital for an accelerated socio-economic development. Nana Akufo-Addo asked Muslim parents to invest in their children's education to help improve their lives in future, adding it behoved the youth to shun violence and vandalism and rather gear their energies towards profitable ventures.

Mr Emmanuel Asamoah Owusu-Ansah, Ashanti Regional Minister, commended the Bisa Community for fostering unity and peaceful co-existence with other ethnic groups in the Region.