Offinso (Ash), Aug. 15, GNA- President John Agyekum Kufuor on Friday called on Ghanaians irrespective of their political leanings, or social standing to be bold to offer constructive criticisms on policies and performance of the government.

"We urge you to muster courage and point out or mistakes and shortcomings to us in good faith", the President stressed. President Kufuor made the call when he addressed a durbar of chiefs and people of Offinso in Ashanti, as part of a week's tour of the Ashanti Region.

President Kufuor gave the assurance that the government was prepared to accept and utilise suggestions and criticisms irrespective of where they come from, provided such suggestions "Are well-intended and constructive in nature".

He made it clear that the government acknowledges that without proper maintenance of law and order, there was no way any meaningful development and progress could be achieved in the country. "Unfortunately for us, however, when we assumed office, we realised that law and order had virtually collapsed because of lack of adequate equipment and logistics for the police service to perform its constitutional role".

President Kufuor said to restore law and order, and pave the way for accelerated progress the country, the government has to take prudent decision of providing new and modern equipment for the police service. Mr S.K. Boafo, Ashanti Regional Minister expressed concern about the fast rate of depletion of the country's forest, arising out of the activities of illegal timber fellers and chain saw operators.

He said solution to the problem should not be left on the government alone, but that chiefs as custodians of the land should also get "actively involved in checking the bad practice in their areas of jurisdiction".

Nana Wiafe Akenten 11, Offinsohene, commended the government for bringing a variety of developments to the district since it assumed power.

Nana Wiafe Akenten however appealed to the government to raise Offinso from its district status to an urban status in view of its vastness and intense population.

President's entourage include Mr Kwadwo Baah Wiredu, Minister for Education, Youth and Sports, Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku, Minister of Regional Co-operation and NEPAD and Mr Kwesi Osei Agyei, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.