Politics of Friday, 27 December 2002

Source: Ghana High Commission

NPP will remain focused - Ghana's envoy to the UK.

HE Mr Isaac Osei, Ghana’s High Commissioner in the UK has stressed that the Government of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) would continue to remain focused in its task of evolving measures that would usher prosperity for all Ghanaians.

He said the Government had within two years of its administration demonstrated to all Ghanaians and the international community its resolve to re-align the economic structures for the development of the country within the shortest possible time.

Speaking during a courtesy call on him by the newly elected executives of the UK and Ireland branch of the NPP, he said, “the Government is steadily and systematically charting a path that is solidifying the foundation for the creation of wealth for all Ghanaians.”

Present at the meeting were, Mr. Kwabena Baah-Duodu, Deputy High Commissioner; Mr. K.Ampratwum Sarpong, Chairman of the party, Mr Noble Adjei-Boakye, the Second Vice Chairman; Mr. Kwadwo Adjei-Barwuah, Secretary; Nana Agyeman Gyebi, Public Relations officer and Mr. Alex Owusu Adjei-Boakye, Executive member. Others included Mr. Gyebi-Ababio, Organiser; Ms Jennifer Boadi Ampofu, Assistant Women’s Organiser, Mr Samuel Antwi, Executive member; Mr. Eric Agyemang, Financial Secretary; Mr. Patrick Kwadu, Youth Organiser and Nii Asare-Addy, Assistant Secretary.

He said “the spirit of positive change continues to take root throughout the country.”

“Within the two year period”, he said, “the Government has instituted various measures to create a conducive climate for the growth of the economy. Macro-economic stability has led to reduction of inflation and interest rates while major inroads have been made in agriculture, manufacturing, road infrastructure and Tourism.”

He said institutions of state such as the Police Force and the Judiciary were being strengthened in order to make them function efficiently and effectively within the country.

“Added to this”, he said, “is the Government’s determination to ensure individual freedom, freedom of speech, good governance as well as the rule of law.”

Mr Osei said Ghanaians are fortunate to have a level headed liberal democrat, like His Excellency Mr John Agyekum Kufuor as a leader, who, by his actions and demeanour has brought dignity to the highest office of the land and earned respect for Ghana in the comity of nations.

“Let us support the President, let us pray for him to carry out the onerous duties entrusted to him, he said”.

He praised the people of Ghana for their patience and understanding and the international financial institutions and our development partners for rallying to Ghana’s aid during the period.

Mr Osei urged the party faithfuls to help in the dissemination of information on the achievements of the Government to the grassroots at the constituency levels through constant interaction using every available means – by radio phone, internet access, face to face meetings even on the telephone.

“Let us sensitise our people that the NPP is good for our country,” he added.

Mr Osei also thanked all Ghanaians in the UK for their co-operation, support and understanding, in various activities initiated by the Mission during the year.

In his remarks, Mr. Ampratwum Sarpong appealed to the Ghana International Bank to assist Ghanaians in the opening of bank accounts and called for the establishment of branches of the bank in areas with large concentration of Ghanaians.

He thanked the High Commissioner for granting audience to the party executives. He said he was optimistic that the conducive atmosphere which had been nurtured for the growth and prosperity of the nation would blossom in the overall interest of the nation.

He commended the Mission for taking measures to improve service delivery at the Immigration and Consular office of the Mission.

Other issues discussed at the meeting centred on the need for a mechanism to be put in place to enable Ghanaians in the UK to at least vote for the Presidential candidate of their choice in the 2004 elections, the IFC loan and the dissemination of information at the grassroots on the achievements of the government.