Accra, May 4, GNA - A group calling itself True Friends for Democratic Governance (TRUGOV) on Monday urged the Council of State to chart the path of national orientation in their counsel as is the case in successful emerging countries, saying this holds the key to Ghana's rapid socio-economic development.

It said in a statement released in Accra that China, Malaysia, Singapore and India, which have charted this path "have played up their rich traditional and cultural values that have helped propel their rapid socio-economic development earning them the name "Asian Tigers". The statement was signed by Mr Windham Emil Afram, President and Kofi Dunyo, General Secretary.

The Group congratulated Professor Kofi Nyidevu Awoonor for his election as chairman of the Council of State pointing out that today's global economy hinged on leaders who are internationally exposed, as they are the first point of call for international investors who Ghana needed at the moment.

"This is the time to use effective linkages, especially creative information to attract the much needed foreign direct investment into the country," TRUGOV said.

It appealed to the public to continue to pray for the Council of State to formulate policies and programmes, which would put President John Atta Mills' administration in a better position to address the common enemies of underdevelopment - illiteracy, disease, poverty and unemployment.

"It is the expectation of TRUGOV that Prof. Kofi Awoonor and the members of the Council of State will help bring economic prosperity to all Ghanaians and foreign investors, in the true spirit of Ghana's motto of 'Freedom and Justice,'" the statement said.