Tarkwa (W/R), April 21, GNA- Papa Owusu Ankomah, Minister of Justice and Attorney-General said the government is committed to reducing poverty, disease, ignorance and ensure the establishment of a new and fair national economic order for the country's future.

He said the government would also strengthen the democratic principles, social justice, prosperity and development.

Papa Ankomah was inaugurating the Tertiary Students Confederacy (TESCON), NPP branch at the Western University College at Tarkwa last Saturday.

The ceremony had the theme "Consolidating the positive change". The Attorney General urged students and the youth to embrace the "all inclusive government" as a true change and yardstick for the development of freedom, confidence and good governance.

Papa Ankomah who is also the Member of Parliament for Sekondi reminded them that they should not allow any party or groups to influence them to become their party agents or representatives.

He said dialogue should be used in all spheres of their lives adding, "you must tolerate the views of your opponents". He advised the students to educate their relations and friends in the rural areas and wherever they might find themselves.

Papa Ankomah assured them that the government would not shield any corrupt officials neither will it prosecute its innocent political opponents.

The Attorney General said most of the ongoing road projects, are testimonies of the success that the government has achieved. Mr. Andrews Awuni, Deputy Minister of Information advised the students to protect the current democratic dispensation and resist any unconstitutional regime.

He appealed to all Ghanaians to join the government in consolidating the country's democratic principles and resist any coup.

Mr. Awuni advised critics of the government to take a closer look at ongoing projects and change their negative perceptions.

Mr. Peter Mac-Manu, Western Regional Chairman of the NPP said the government believed in the rule of law and would continue to work to ensure that such principles are sustained.

He refuted assertions in certain circles about the formation of "the concerned faithful or friends of Kufuor" groupings within the party adding that the party has laid down structures for which members were expected to follow.

Mr. Mac-Manu called on the students to be role models and join in the campaign to enable the party to win the 2004 general elections. Mr. Joseph B. Aidoo, Western Regional Minister said ghost names that hitherto existed on some payrolls have been removed and saved the government million of cedis.

He advised the students to continue to comport themselves while on campus.

Mr. Aidoo said the government would soon take delivery of 250 buses from China to supplement the Metro Mass Transport (MMT) programme initiated by the government.

Mr Samuel Ofosu Danso President of TESCON said the membership which initially stood at 30 in 2002, had increased to 250 in May 2004. Mrs Eugenia Kusi, Member of Parliament for Nsuaem was present.