Asukawkaw (V/R), July 25, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor on Thursday advised the electorate to be wary of politicians who might use their mandate to intimidate them instead of pursuing their welfare. He said misplaced votes would hinder the wheels of development, cause economic stagnation and social difficulties.

President Kufuor gave the advice at Asukawkaw in the Volta region where he cut the sod for work to commence on a 70-kilometre third phase of the Kpando-Worawora-Dambai road network.

The project, estimated to cost GHc47.52 million is funded by the government and being undertaken by Shinsung Engineering and Construction Company Limited of Korea.

President Kufuor urged the electorate to appreciate the essence of their votes, "the trump cards", for determining the pace of socio-economic growth and development of the nation. He said it was incumbent on Ghanaians to renew the mandate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in appreciation of the progress and the successes the country had attained under his administration. President Kufuor made references to the National Health Insurance Scheme, the Free Compulsory and Universal Basic Education and the School Feeding Programme as some of government's policies that would ensure equal opportunities for all. Mr Kofi Dzamesi, Volta Regional Minister, said no objective minded person would dispute the assertion that the Volta region has faired well under the NPP government.

He was hopeful that the people of the region would reciprocate this by voting for the NPP in this year's elections. Nana Mpra Besemuna, Krachiwura said the continuation of the road project and the provision of a bus to the Krachi Senior High School were manifestations of "a listening government". He called for urgent attention of government to revive the services of the pontoon on the Volta Lake at Dambai and also called for the payment of compensation due the area resulting from the creation of the Akosombo Dam.