Sekondi, March 08, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor said freedom, joy and happiness could assist the country's democratic process if all sectors allowed checks and balances to work.

He said without it the country's quest for democratic governance would be elusive and the economy would be destabilised.

These were contained in an address read on his behalf at the Sekondi Gyandu Park on Sunday to mark the 48th independence anniversary. Some 11 officers, 1,100 men and cadet corps attended the parade from various senior secondary schools in the region as well as school children, voluntary groups and traders.

He said the youth could play an effective role in ensuring a sustained development if they were encouraged to become patriotic and defend the constitution irrespective of the consequences.

President Kufuor said democracy could only thrive when all groups work together while personal and individual sentiments are shelved in the interest of the country.

He appealed to the legislature to demand accountability while the judiciary should ensure that the rule of law is practised to the letter while the media should also work hard and avoid acts that could negate its contributions to societal growth and development. The Shama Senior Secondary was presented with a computer and its accessories for emerging winners in the first ever Home Coming Summit Quiz Competition.

Some students who excelled in the Basic Entrance Certificate Examinations (BECE) and Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) were presented with cash; certificate and book prizes. 08 March 05