Accra, Dec. 31, GNA - Former President Jerry John Rawlings has asked Ghanaians to take the "bold action" of telling the truth and the "positive action" of insisting on their rights and the responsibilities of those who they have elected to govern them.

These, he said, were the principles that guided the revolutionary change of the country from years of decay to the current democratic development.

This was contained in a new year's eve message issued in Accra on Wednesday by the Office of Former President Jerry John Rawlings and signed by his Special Assistant and Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Victor Smith.

"On the eve of the year 2004, my wife Nana and I wish to send a message of hope and congratulations to every Ghanaian," the statement said.

It said the day (new year's eve) is also a day on which the fallen heroes of the 31st December 1981 revolution are remembered. The statement said: "WE stand on the threshold of a momentous year. Year 2004 is an election year in which we have a rare opportunity to make choices between governments on the basis of previous achievements."

It said the past three years have been a steep learning curve and during which Ghanaians have had the opportunity of comparing promises with reality and the achievements of the previous administration. "For three years we have felt the bite of adverse economic policies in our pockets of the previous administration. Towards the end of 2004 we will have the opportunity through our vote to reverse the situation. We must vote to restore prosperity through the guarantee of sound economic policies and the opportunity for hard and successful work."

"We must vote into office a selfless, truthful and competent government", the statement added.