Govt to establish firm and transparent governance-Kufuor

Accra, Jan.30, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor on Friday pledged government's commitment to establishing a firm, transparent and accountable governance at all levels of the society.

He said the legal system was therefore, being strengthened and modernized to ensure efficient and swift dispensation of justice. President Kufuor made the pledge at the New Year reception for di0plomatic corps at the Castle Gardens, Osu on Friday.

President Kufuor said government was further dedicated to supporting and empowering the Serious Fraud Office, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, the Auditor-General's Department and the Media Commission to discharge their constitutional mandates without fear or favour.

"The liberal policies towards the media and civil society organisations coupled with the ever improving police service are all designed to enable the society to combat the canker of corruption that so unkindly distorts the image of our country", he said.

President Kufuor said government had always endeavoured to respect due process in the handling of all cases brought to its attention by or through these constitutional organs.

" Though this process by nature is slow everywhere, its efficacy in protecting the human rights of each individual and members of the entire society is without doubt", he added.

Mr Emmanuel Tanoe, Ambassador of Cote D'Ivoire and acting Dean of the Diplomatic Corps commended President Kufuor and the efforts he had made to restore peace and stability within the West Africa Sub-Region, which had begun to bear fruits.

Among the dignitaries who attended the reception were the First Lady, Mrs Theresah Kufuor, Vice President Aliu Mahama and his wife Hajia Ramatu Mahama, ministers of state, parliamentarians, politicians, members of the Council of State, diplomats and heads of international institutions and organisations.