The New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Wednesday urged Ghanaians to put aside their political leaning and resolve to build a nation of proud achievers for the next generation.

This was contained in an official statement signed by Mr Kwadwo Afari, the Press Secretary, to mark the 46th anniversary celebration, which comes off on Thursday.

"The NPP recognises the fact that after 46 years of independence the nation's achievements have not been all that appreciable due to a variety of factors," the statement said.

The statement said the Kufuor Administration had been able to identify the negative factors, which militated against the nation's development and had consequently put in place sound economic measures to restore the equilibrium.

"Some of the measures taken by the government are understandably harsh but the NPP can assure the nation that the end result would be satisfactory and bring back smiles to the faces of all."

It urged Ghanaians not to allow their collective vision to be determined by the pronouncements of those who would make them abandon faith in themselves and in their quest for real positive move towards development.

"As we celebrate the 46th birthday of Ghana, what should be uppermost in our minds as a nation should be the determination to protect and preserve our democracy and whatever we do or whatever our political leaning, we should remember the immortal words of the eminent composer/musician Ephraim Amu: 'Yen ara asase ni,'" the statement said.