Accra, June 8, GNA - The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) is determined to help move the nation forward in order to build a better Ghana for the present and future generations.

Ms Vida Agyekum, Women's Commissioner of NUGS, made declaration during discussions with Mr Isaac Osei, Ghana's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, a release from the High Commission said on Tuesday. She said although NUGS occasionally flexed its muscles on national issues, its actions should not be taken as deliberate acts to stall the progress of the Nation.

Ms Agyekum said in a democratic environment, it was always good to 'jaw-jaw' and respect the viewpoints of others in order to arrive at a consensus on national issues.

Ms Agyekum, who is a graduate of the University of Cape Coast, said Ghanaian students had noted with admiration the activities of the Ghana Mission in London and congratulated the High Commissioner on his inspiring leadership.

She told Mr Osei that through the NUGS-on-wheels project, students would help to promote good neighbourliness in the West Africa Sub-Region and spread the message about the positive social and economic development in Ghana.

On the recovery of loans granted to students under the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) Loans Scheme, Ms Agyekum said it was the view of NUGS that every effort should be made to retrieve them for re-investment into other sectors of the economy. Responding, Mr Osei said the Mission appreciated the contribution being made by students to ensure the deepening of democratic culture and added that the Government would continue to create the enabling environment for the free expression of views.

He said with the approaching elections it was necessary for students to start talking to politicians to exercise restraint in their presentations and concentrate on discussing issues to enable the electorate to make their decision. He thanked NUGS for its compliments on the activities of the Mission and pledged that it would continue to discharge its responsibilities within its mandate. 08 June 04