Let us engage in constructive exchanges -UK Envoy

?LET US FIGHT THE BATTLE OF IDEAS, PROGRAMMES AND POLICIES DURING THE ELECTIONEERING CAMPAIGN SAYS GHANA'S ENVOY TO THE UK.

H.E Mr. Isaac Osei Ghana's envoy to the UK has called for constructive exchanges in the 2004 electioneering campaign.

He said all aspiring contestants must therefore engage in the battle of ideas, programmes and policies in order to give the electorate a real choice in December. He therefore called for the rejection of the politics of lies, misinformation, chicanery, insults and violence.

He said there was the need for a strong message be sent to all Ghanaians especially politicians about the determination of the NPP Government " to build a free, united and prosperous country"

High Commissioner Osei noted that in the realisation of this goal there were bound to be differences that should however not affect the peace, tranquillity and stability of the country.

Mr Osei made the declarations at the third annual forum for the Ghanaian community in the UK which had Dr. Nii Noi Ashong, Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance of Economic Planning as the guest speaker.

The theme for of the well-attended forum was "Eleven years of constitutional rule- Good Governance through democracy." It attracted a number of Ghanaians including representatives of Ghanaian community associations, chiefs, the clergy, political parties and friends of Ghana.

Mr Isaac Osei assured the gathering that the Mission would step up its efforts to engage Ghanaians resident in the UK by deepening its interaction with the various Ghanaian communities and groupings

?These interactions foster unity, forge a sense of shared values, respect for culture and the traditions of our people and assist in the development of our country?, said the High Commissioner.

He said the computerisation of the Mission?s records system would facilitate data retrieval and processing which would in turn impact positively on service delivery particularly in the issuance of Passports and other travel documents.

He thanked the Ghanaian media in London for their assistance in disseminating information about the country and commended especially the Original Black Entertainment TV channel, which he said had done tremendous work in its short time in existence.