Accra, Sept. 10, GNA - The Ghana National Party (GNP) on Wednesday took a swipe at the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for building a new presidential palace while State House, known as Job 600, deteriorated. A statement signed by GNP flag bearer, Mr Samuel Ofori Ampofo also criticised parliament for approving loans for government while Job 600 was rotting away.

"It is within the compound of the Job 600 that huge loans have been approved by Parliament. The big question is why is Job 600 still standing right by their noses, like a white elephant?" Mr Ampofo asked. He said it was unfortunate that such a magnificent building should deteriorate, especially within the last eight years.

The statement noted that President John Agyekum Kufuor had less than five months to leave office and he had built a new presidential mansion which the GNP considered not a priority over the renovation of the Job 600.

The GNP flag bearer said when he visited the Job 600 on August 12, 2008, the day parliament was recalled to deliberate on the sale of 70% share of Ghana Telecom to Vodafone UK, he was struck by the possibility of the government selling Job 600 to foreigners the way they had sold Ghana Telecom.

The statement recalled that Job 600 was the building that hosted the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) summit in 1965, under the chairmanship of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first president. It said the magnificent building should have been maintained to befit its status, value and significance at all times.

The statement also mentioned Meridian Hotel in Tema, Atlantic Hotel in Takoradi, City Hotel in Kumasi, Ambassador Hotel in Accra, Peduase Lodge in Aburi, Kwame Nkrumah Flats at Laterbiokorshie in Accra, as examples of state buildings either sold or left to deteriorate. It said posterity would never forgive past and present leaders if they allowed Job 600 in particular to deteriorate completely, demolished or sold for lack of maintenance.

"When voted into power the GNP shall provide the best leadership, revamp the economy, and recapitalize the Public Works Department (PWD) as a viable and competitive state construction unit responsible for the maintenance of state buildings like Job 600, our road networks and real estates throughout the country," it said.