Don't malign political rivals to score cheap points - Aliu cautions Accra, Oct 28, GNA - Vice President Aliu Mahama, on Thursday, asked politicians who malign and defame their political rivals in the media to score points to stop, saying those who destroy others for their selfish interests cannot be on the side of God.

He stressed the need to run a clean campaign, based on issues and track record so that the electorate would freely choose who would best serve their needs.

The Vice President, who has on a number of times been a victim of defamation in the media, was addressing a durbar at Bawaleshie in the Ayawaso West Constituency as part of a three-day tour of Greater Accra Region.

He praised Mr George Isaac Amoo, Member of Parliament for the area, for overcoming his defeat in the primary parliamentary contest of the NPP and pledging to work with the winner, Mrs Frema Osei Opare to secure victory for their party.

Mr Amoo, who has given Mrs Opare a vehicle for her campaign, has also pledged to work with her to bring progress to the area. The Vice President said Mr Amoo's conduct was noble and worthy of emulation.

"As democrats, we believe the freedom of choice," he said. "Once there is democratically elected winner in all contest, the other competitors are expected to accept the choice of the people and rally behind the winner to move ahead. Maybe, their goodwill will win them the day another time."

The Vice President also addressed a durbar at Tesano-Santana, where he told the people of the Government's efforts to improve their road network, market, schools and other facilities.

He also addressed the Muslim Community at Abelenkpe and inspected the progress of work on the 16-million Euros Odaw Drainage Improvement Project, being undertaken by Interbeton.

The project engineer assured him that the project, which is expected to end the perennial flooding in the area, would be completed by May 2006.

Mr Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, Minister of Tourism and the Modernisation of the Capital City, Sheikh I.C. Quaye, Minister of Greater Accra Region and Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamaklo, Chairman of the Ghana Football Association, accompanied him. 28 Oct.04