Kumasi, Aug 20, GNA - The Ghana National Party (GNP) said on Monday that it was shocked that the government of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was requesting for additional 11 million dollars for the celebrations of the nation's Golden Jubilee.

The party called on all and sundry, particularly opinion leaders, the clergy, chiefs and civil society organizations, to condemn and also protest against this outrageous display of wanton extravagance exhibited by the government.

This was contained in a statement signed by Mr Kobina Amo-Aidoo, Chairman of the GNP and issued to the press in Kumasi on Monday.

"We must ensure that resources of this nation are used judiciously for the betterment of all Ghanaians of today and for posterity."

It drew attention of the government and the general public to the insurmountable challenges facing the country, saying for instance that the nation's educational infrastructure has not seen the light of day.

"Even in 2007 when government prides itself in the introduction of School Feeding Programme, free bus rides and other related programmes, it should be noted that classes are held under trees and in some cases no furniture for pupils."

"Some teachers are not paid for months whiles the President and ministers enjoy global trips with per diem allowances and a life of luxury", the statement said.

It said because of limited infrastructure, tertiary institutions were unable to train the manpower that would propel the country to achieve the needed development, whiles hospitals lacked basic equipment for effective diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

The statement said despite these problems, the government found it necessary to spend such huge sums of money for unprofitable ventures that are of minimal benefit to the ordinary Ghanaian.