Saltpond (C/R), March 7, GNA - The Paramount Chief of Nkusukum Traditional Area, Okese Essandoh VIII has called on the majority and minority to ensure consensus in promoting the work of Parliament. Okese Essandoh said taking a partisan stance in all matters did not augur well for democracy.

The majority and minority should not always adopt partisan stand to issues of national concern.

The Paramount Chief was commenting on some issues in Parliament in an interview with Ghana News Agency at the 48th Independence anniversary parade at Saltpond on Sunday.

He said the country's democracy would be advancing when Parliamentarians are able to discuss issues devoid of partisan politics. Okese Essandoh appealed to Ghanaians to be reasonable in their demands to avoid the government from taking harsh measures to generate funds.

He expressed concern about the lack of a maintenance culture in the country and said, "Because we do not pay proper attention to the facilities we have, they deteriorate earlier than expected".

Mr Robert Quainoo-Arthur, Mfantseman District Chief Executive (DCE), Mrs Matilda Bannerman-Mensah, District Director of Education, Mr Chachawucha Mensah, District Police Commander and Mr Samuel Adabo, District Fire Officer jointly reviewed the parade of about 2,000 school pupils, students and voluntary organisations.

The DCE read President J.A. Kufuor's anniversary address. In the march past, Hariom International School came first in the primary division, Beach Road D/A second and Anglican Primary 'B' third. Saltpond Lower Town D/A was first, Catholic Girls second and Hariom International third in the Junior Secondary division while Mfantseman Girls was first, Biriwa Vocational Training Centre second and Saltpond Methodist High School third in the Senior Secondary division and were presented with shields.