General News of Thursday, 22 July 2004

Source: Cronicle

Pray for God's forgiveness - Agyapong to NDC stalwarts

THE PRESIDENTIAL Press Secretary, Mr. Kwabena Agyapong, has charged the elite of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to go on their knees and seek forgiveness from God, for all the atrocities meted out to Ghanaians during their reign instead of unnecessarily accusing and attacking the Kufuor administration.

He observed that if the integrity and transformation of the party?s dented image is so much a concern to the stalwarts of the NDC, they should have by now shown some remorse and prayed for forgiveness.

According to him, the continuous attack on the NPP by NDC gurus, including the flagbearer Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, specifically on the increase in the prices of commodities, clearly demonstrates how confused and frustrated the NDC is about its election strategies.

He noted that the people of this country have not forgotten how the NDC administration abused their (Ghanaians) rights and subjected them to all forms of assault, adding that Ghanaians are knowledgeable enough to draw a line of disparity between good and bad governance.

The Press Secretary, who was reacting to the recent pronouncements by the NDC guru on the NPP?s rule and the impending election, on a private radio station in Kumasi, also stressed that NPP is tasked with the responsibility of ensuring good governance, rule of law and the economic development of the people.

He wondered why Prof. Mills, who is affectionately called the ?Asomdwehene? (Prince of Peace) could turn round to talk about issues which had the tendency of confusing the people and disturbing the peaceful atmosphere of Ghana, and he advised him to be careful in his choice of words to avoid chaos.

?The NPP in view of its large membership could easily defeat the NDC in a fight if the chance is given, but the NPP would not countenance such a move in its administration to affect the electoral process and the country as a whole,? he stressed.

He hinted at President Kufuor?s preparedness to concede defeat when voted out of office during the December election.

According to him, President Kufuor believes that the power to rule a people or nation is only given by God and that it is not a matter of life and death.

Commenting on the preparedness of the security agencies to ensure a peaceful and violent free election, he noted that the government is doing its best to equip the outfit and was confident that this year?s election would be fruitful.

He however called on pastors, imams and all Ghanaians to pray fervently for God?s intervention in the election.

Agyapong disclosed that the President himself had been praying seriously to abate any incident of confusion, rancor and war before, during and after the 2004 election, which may affect the development of the country.

He noted that the good people of this country have observed the performance of the NPP and NDC and they would vote massively for the NPP because of its good policies and administration so far.

The government spokesman urged the elite of the NDC to refrain from attacking the NPP, but rather emulate the good political conduct of President Kufuor.