Accra, July 11, GNA - Mr Isaac Osei, Ghana's High Commissioner to the UK, has said discipline and hard work were vital ingredients which would move the country forward in its development efforts. He said there was the need for the present generation to let discipline and hard work permeate all aspects of their social and economic activities.

A statement from the Ghana High Commission in London received on Friday said he was speaking at the annual meeting of the Scotland-Ghana Society in Edinburgh on the topic "Ghana: The Way Forward". He said there was also the need for Ghanaians to make concerted efforts to reflect on the past as a guide saying, "we are in danger of losing the future if we forget the past".

Mr Osei said our customs and norms enabled society to prepare leaders who, not only respected their elders but were also disciplined and dedicated to the advancement of their people He said the sordid experiences which characterized Ghana's past political history, especially under military dictatorship had led to a firm commitment by Ghanaians to ensure that democracy, good governance and the rule of law prevailed in the country.

"The lesson we learn from the colonial period, especially under Governor Sir Gordon Guggisberg is that public investment in education, health and infrastructure is a prerequisite for development. "Achimota School and Korle Bu Hospital were built while Takoradi Harbour and the railways were developed and expanded between 1919 -1929", he said.

Mr. Osei said under the leadership of President Kwame Nkrumah further emphasis was placed on both secondary and tertiary education. A sense of Ghana as a unitary state, was also instilled in our people. He said Dr Kofi Abrefa Busia's short period in office showed us the importance of rural development as a basis for progress based on the freedom of the individual, he added.

"While (former President Jerry) Rawlings put in place improved local government structures, and the District Assembly Common Fund," he said, "he will probably be best remembered for the impunity with which his PNDC regime treated fellow Ghanaians, recalling the infamous and despicable murders of the three High Court Judges and a retired Army Officer".

Mr Osei declared: "Today, under President John Kufuor the freedoms enshrined in our Constitution can be enjoyed by all. The vibrancy of our private press is legendary and the collective energies of our people are being released for the urgent task of development with an agenda for growth under a poverty reduction strategy."

Mr Osei said, within a short space of time, the NPP Government had restored hope and confidence to the citizens.

The High Commissioner had presented a birthday card signed by senior staff of the Mission, and a kente stole to Mrs Elspeth Elder, a member of the Society who celebrated her 100th birthday on June 29, 2003.

Mrs. Elder worked in Ghana from 1929 to 1959 in various educational institutions. After studying Twi, she wrote a number of children's books in Twi. The most prominent the "Kan Me Hwe" reading series and a book of songs titled "Mmofra Nnwom".