Government would restore self-respect for Ghana

PARIS -- President John Agyekum Kufuor has pledge to restore the self-respect and self-confidence of Ghana to set the pace for African development during his tenure of office.

"Ghana is succeeding and during my tenure of office, I would work hard to have the self-confidence and respect of the country restored to set the pace for African development."

President Kufuor made the pledge when addressing the Ghanaian community in Paris, as part of his seven-day official visit to France at the invitation of President Jacques Chirac.

There was deafening cheers from the people when President Kufuor arrived at the hall of Hotel Maurice for the meeting, amidts chanting of the NPP campaign slogan, "Asee ho, Asee ho"

President Kufuor said government needs the support of Ghanaians living abroad to be law abiding and eschew social vices and tendencies that would distract government's attention in the national building efforts.

"We need your support and for us to continue to enjoy the respect abroad, Ghanaians abroad owns it as a duty to behave well and live within the laws of the host country, for them to know that Ghanaians are special human beings," he added.

President Kufuor said government is also working hard to improve the quality of education, especially the teacher training colleges and senior secondary schools would soon be introduced to computers and distance learning.

"Literacy is not only to read and write, but to be computer literate in this modern age of information technology," he added.

President Kufuor said his visit to France has marked a new beginning in Ghana-France relationship, which has further deepened.

He said for the West African sub-region to become one and command the attention in world trade and globalisation, then cultural and psychological barriers, which divide them must be removed.

"This is why the government has initiated good neighbourliness with Francophone countries that share common boundaries with Ghana."

President Kufuor said it was no business of government to interfere with the internal matters of neighbouring countries, but the main concern was to have cordial relationship with them.

He announced that countries in the Paris Club have agreed, in principles to write off debts owed by Ghana when it reaches the decision point for implementation of the HIPC Initiative this month.

President Kufuor said following discussion with President Chirac, France was prepared to offer technical support for Ghana solve some problems associated with developments projects.

Mr. Hackman Owusu-Agyeman, Minister of Foreign Affairs said the welfare of Ghanaians living abroad was dear to the heart of government and those who undertake legitimate business would have the government's support.

He said the Dual Citizenship law and the right to exercise their franchise were parts of the government's effort to make them feel they belong to the Ghana.

Mr. Yaw Osaafo-Maafo, Minister of Finance said because of the sound economic policies that were being implemented by the government, Ghana is now being perceived as a model for Africa.

He said Ghanaians should exercise patience and give the government time to pursue its policies and programmes, which are on the right path to recovery.

"On the economic front, the government is on the right track and determined to make Ghana a role model in Africa, Ghanaians should give us time and have patience for us to create the right economic environment for the private sector to thrive," he said.

The Minister of Finance said a new Bill was introduced to Parliament last month, under which those who import over-aged vehicles would pay penalty on them.

Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, Minister of Economic Planning and Regional Integration said a National Data base to identify all Ghanaians, was being prepared and would be operational next year.

He said the national identification system would bring discipline into the political and economic system within the next three years.