Rawlings urges government to improve economic situation

Kumasi, Aug. 23, GNA - Former President John Jerry Rawlings has urged government to work hard to improve the current economic situation, which he said had cause many to be disillusioned.

President Rawlings, the founder of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), said this when he addressed a forum organised by the Ashanti Regional United Cadres Front at the Prempeh Assembly Hall in Kumasi last Saturday.

"We must respect and give dynamic leadership to the people of Ghana," he said and noted that many things have gone wrong in the country and the NDC leadership had the mandate to correct those wrongs. He appealed to members in key positions in government not to relent in their effort but rather work assiduously to meet the hopes and aspirations of the people.

"We must be held in check by the power of the people", he said. Mr Kofi Adams, Deputy National Organizer of the NDC said Ghanaians voted the party into power because of its track records, which were based on patriotism and nationalism.

Mr Nii Laryea, Member of Parliament for Akatanmanso said the New Patriotic Party (NPP) thought the NDC would not regain power and therefore mismanaged the economy making things difficult for the President Atta Mills administration.

He, however, said there was hope and appealed to party faithful to help correct the things that had gone wrong within the party. In addition, he said, those in leadership positions should know that the party was solidly behind them in their acts.

"Let's support those who will do the right things to bring change. It is better to say it and stay in power than to look on and lose 2010". Mr Kofi Opoku Manu, Ashanti Regional Minister asked members to remain steadfast and avoid negative criticisms that would create confusion and division in the party.

Mr Frank Osei-Mensah, Former Ashanti Regional Chairman of NDC called for unity of purpose and understanding where the cadres and other members of the party were based.

He urged the leadership to serve in truth and modesty and also work in close collaboration with the committed cadres, who formed part of the foot soldiers on the ground

Nana Afrifa, a member of the Council of State urged party members not to lose focus of their pledge to build a better nation. 23 Aug. 09