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General News of Saturday, 11 November 2000

Source: GNA

Mahama's political book launched

A book, written by Dr Edward Mahama, presidential candidate of the People's National Convention (PNC) in the impending December 7 elections of Ghana, has been launched in Accra. The author believes the book, "The New Ghanaian, A Mandate for Change", inspires hope and prescribes proven strategies to lift the country out of her current crisis.

Dr. K.B. Asante, a writer and Chairman of the Board of the Ghana Institute of Journalism, who launched the 95-page book, said the future of Ghana should be shaped through brainpower and not through force. He said Dr. Mahama wrote this book not because of anger but through an initiative to assist Ghanaians to find solutions to the problems facing the country.

Asante said strange events are happening in neighbouring countries which Ghanaians should take a cue from and prevent such occurrences. He urged Mahama to keep on with the good work and use his knowledge and experiences for the benefit of the people of Ghana.

Mahama said during the past few years the degenerating economic and social conditions in the country, he had focused his metal search for the means and methods of effecting the needed change. "I sincerely believe that the main factor that has prevented us from nurturing the new Ghanaian is the rampant waste of human potential on our land."

He said the current national system of governance has been grossly irresponsible, opaque and devoid of probity and accountability to the population.

Mahama said when the PNC is voted to power, its government would, among other things, alleviate poverty from the current rate of 70 per cent to about 20 per cent in two years.

"It would also provide free education from primary one to JSS three," he added, and called on the electorate to vote massively for the PNC.

Mr. Kabral Blay Amihere, President of the West African Journalists Association (WAJA), who chaired the function, commended Mahama for taking a bold step to come up with such an educative piece to help shape the minds of the people. He advised supporters of the PNC to avoid provocation of other party members but respect each other's views to ensure peace in the elections.

The first three copies of the book were sold for 12.2 million cedis. ($1 = about 6,300 cedis)