Regional News of Wednesday, 11 February 2004

Source: GNA

Campaign messages should unite Ghanaians-Amoako

Kumasi, Feb. 11, GNA - Mr Jacob Amoako, a former student activist, has called on all politicians, particularly presidential aspirants for this year's general election to deliver campaign messages that would help to unite Ghanaians.

He reminded politicians that such messages could bring the people together as one people with a common destiny.

Mr Amoako, who was immediate past co-ordinating secretary of the Ghana National Union of Polytechnic Students, said this in a statement he issued in Kumasi on Wednesday.

He said presidential aspirants should bear in mind that insults could not help them to win votes during elections.

"As presidential aspirants, you hold the key to success or failure of your party as you are the embodiment of the consciousness of your party and role models for future leaders."

Mr Amoako said politicians should address issues in their bid to win elections to serve the country but not to resort to insulting their political opponents.

He said: "They should let us know what they could offer us when we give them our mandate. In addition, they should give us the alternative plans they have to programmes of their counterpart". Mr Amoako advised political leaders to acknowledge the fact that the people have become more politically conscious and that the average Ghanaian was now very much conversant with the art of good governance. He said any politician who would peddle lies and insult his or her political opponents to win votes will backfire, since Ghanaians were now wide awake.

Mr Amoako also appealed to radio and TV presenters hosting phone-in programmes to educate the public on the usage of decent language during the electioneering campaign.