Tema Manhean, Aug. 4, GNA - The government is pursuing its principle of freedom of expression to enable the populace to go about their duties in atmosphere of peace and harmony, President John Agyekum Kufuor, stated on Monday. The Government, he said, respects the human rights and dignity of mankind, therefore, since it's two and half years in office, has not arrested or detained anybody in spite of misgivings.

President Kufuor was addressing separate durbars of chiefs and people of Tema Manhean, Kpone and Katamanso in the Tema municipality to mark the beginning of his three-day tour in the Greater Accra Region. He believes that with the wind of freedom blowing over the country, Ghanaians would have the free mind to use their initiatives to embark of projects that would be beneficial to themselves and the entire nation, but warned against underrating the liberation of the air waves, which allows the expression of views and comments of the government's administration.

The President indicated that the government is fulfilling its promises in the NPP manifesto by improving upon the infrastructural facilities whose impact is being felt in most parts of the country, adding, "we would continue to ensure that Ghanaians enjoy peace and security to be able to express ourselves." The prevailing peace and tranquillity existing in the country, he said, is a shinning example in the sub-region and therefore, entreated Ghanaians to continue with the harmonious atmosphere to ensure uninterrupted governance.

At Tema Manhean where Nii Adjei Kraku, 11, Tema Mantse sat in state, President Kufuor announced that in view of the fast growing population, its gateway to the country as well as being the industrial nerve of the nation, Tema is being considered for the upgrading to the status of a city. In the next two years, 100 factories would be springing up to produce garment and gave the assurance that the roads linking Tema with Tema Manhean and Ashaiman are seriously addressed for rehabilitation and construction.

Nii Tetteh Otu, paramount chief of Kpone sat in state at Kpone where President Kufour advised them to manage their lands judiciously since the town within the next 10 years would join the capital city of Accra. Replying to a comment by the chief, the President deplored the practice of keeping an area neat when a personality was visiting a town and rather ensure the continuous maintenance and cleanliness of a community. President Kufuor disagreed with the usual complain that lack of funds cause the delay of keeping the environment in shape, and called on the authorities to always find money for sanitation. "You do not wait until the President is coming before maintenance takes place", he remarked.

In a speech read for him, Nii Kraku said his visit had coincided with the celebration of the Homowo festival, which is about to take off and see it as a recipe for a peaceful and joyous celebration. We also deem this visit a golden opportunity for us to express our gratefulness to the NPP government for making us feel the breeze of positive change which is transforming our society for the better, we are grateful to you for appointing two sons of Tema to the positions of a Minister of State and Municipal Executive. He was grateful for the rehabilitation of the Manhean JSS which had developed physical defects due to lack of maintenance for the past 42 years, the completion of the post office started by Mr Ishmael Ashietey, using part of his MP's common fund, and the replacement of the bridge linking Awudum to the canoe beach for easy accessibility for the fishermen.

Nii Kraku praised the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority for (GPHA) undertaking the construction of stores and stalls estimated at 800 million cedis at the canoe beach. He called for the upgrading of his stool from divisional to a paramouncy status as well as traditional areas like Teshie, Nungua, Osu, and La as it was before the demotion by the Military government in 1966. On his part, Nii Otu appealed to the President to respond to the petition that was sent to him about the release of unutilised lands falling within the acquisition area to help serve the increasing population of the area. He called for the release of compensation to the stool by the Ministry of Lands and said the time has come for Kpone to enjoy the benefit of development rather than refuse dumps and degrading of our lands by gravel winners. Nii Otu Akwetey, the ninth Katamanso Mantse said even though much has been achieved in the past four years for livestock and crop farmers, there is the need for irrigation so that the people can farm through out the year. He appealed for the rehabilitation of all the roads in the Katamanso villages as well as those linking Ashaiman town and appealed for agricultural equipment for the farmers. Mr Samuel Evans Ashong Narh, Tema Municipal Chief Executive enumerated the projects so far undertaken in the municipality covering education and health and said soon, all the street lights would be installed.
The President inspected a rehabilitated JSS project at Tema Manhean and a six-classroom block, office, store and sanitary facilities constructed with funds from the HIPC initiative at Zenu. Among those accompanying the President on the tour were Dr Richard Anane, Minister of Roads, Mr Jake Obetsebi Lamptey Minister Tourism and Modernisation of the City, Mr Ishmael Ashitey Minster of State for Trade, Industries and Presidential Special Initiative, Mr Kwabena Agyepong Government Spokesman and Ms Gloria Akuffo Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice. 04 August 2003