Kumasi, June 28, GNA- Mr Kofi Siriboe-Boateng, a senior citizen, has warned that Ghana's struggle for independence would be meaningless if people in authority do not exhibit good leadership qualities for the benefit of the masses and the African continent in general. He said it was regrettable that after 50 years of independence and also as the forbearers of democracy on the continent, Ghana was yet to achieve the breakthrough in her socio-economic aspiration as expected of her as a result of bad leadership.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Kumasi on Wednesday, the senior citizen cited the dissipation of state funds, bad economic policies, corruption, human rights abuses, lack of transparency and accountability on the part of the present and past leaders as having spelt Ghana's doom in her existence as a nation.

Mr Siriboe-Boateng noted that as the country commemorates its 47th Republic Day anniversary it was imperative that "Our leaders refrained from corrupt practices and rather be development-oriented to enable the nation to achieve economic emancipation.

The senior citizen, who is an activist of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), cautioned delegates who would participate in the NPP congress to elect a presidential candidate who is dedicated and committed to the nation.

" You must reject contestants who offer money and other enticements to be given the mandate".

"The country does not necessarily need rich people to handle its affairs but those with the requisite expertise, knowledge, commitment and experience which are crucial to changing our fortunes", he said.

Mr Siriboe-Boateng proposed the election of Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama as NPP presidential candidate for the 2008 elections, saying he is about the best contestant among the aspirants who is capable of continuing from where President John Agyekum Kufuor would leave off. He said the Vice President had proven to be equal to the task and cited how he had managed successfully the nation's affairs in the wake of the President's busy schedule as African Union (AU) President and other commitments.