General News of Wednesday, 19 April 2006

Source: Daily Guide

Rawlings is jealous - Kwabena Agyapong

Accra, April 18, (Daily Guide) -- Press Secretary to the President, Kwabena Agyapong says people who are full of envy are those who will find nothing good about the Kufuor administration which has achieved in the last six years good governance, economic stability, peace and development.

Mr Agyapong said comments from the office of the former President were unwarranted.

He was reacting to statements by the opposition NDC and particularly by the founder of the party, Jerry Rawlings following the praises showered on President Kufuor during his recent visit to the US.

According to Mr Agyapong during the administration of the former President, he was also equally praised by a US President, Bill Clinton who topped it up by making an 8-hour official visit to the country in 1997.

He also described the negative comments as the effusions of people who are clearly frustrated.

?Its sheer envy, they were in office for 19 odd years, what did they do and what do they have to show,? he asked.

He said President Kufuor has been in office for six years but his achievements are all there for all to see.

?This is why Rawlings and his cohorts are worried,? he said.

The Presidential Press Secretary said anyone who in the face of the phenomenal changes the Kufuor administration has brought onto the economy, coupled with his show of maturity and open government, would describe him as a blow-man doesn?t know what he is talking about.

Mr Agyapong said President Kufuor has never beaten his Vice President neither has he ever ordered the over-turning of a taxi-cab which had crossed his path, nor had he allowed ?identification head-cuts? in the Castle, the seat of government.

He said President Kufuor was well received by US President Bush because he had seen what the man represents and that President Kufuor more than deserved all the accolades poured on him by no less personality than the US President.

President Bush told the world?s media: ?Mr President Welcome. It?s good to have you back. We just had a wonderful discussion about our bilateral relations and a great discussion about the world. I really enjoy taking to a man of vision, strength and character,?

In response to the accolades former President Rawlings attacked President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair for whipping up support for President Kufuor.

He accused the two of using blow-man tactics in their foreign policy especially towards Iraq and President Kufuor is also using blow-man tactics to intimidate his political opponents.