PNC to re-introduce probity and accountability

Accra, Nov. 3, GNA - The Peoples' National Convention (PNC) on Monday said it will re-introduce probity and accountability into the national administration with the tradition of service with honesty as its hallmark.

"Probity and accountability would be an instrument to rid the national life of its present high levels of corruption that has seeped into almost every thread of the national fabric of our economy and social life," Dr Edward Nasigrie Mahama, PNC Presidential Candidate told the Ghana News Agency in an interview in Accra as he embarks on a five-day tour of the Upper West region.

Dr Mahama noted that to ensure that probity and accountability becomes an effective anti-corruption weapon, a PNC led government would rationalize and improve the capacities and effectiveness of the Auditor General's Department; the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the Serious Fraud Office (SFO).

"The Police Service and all other governmental agencies charged with the responsibility of preventing and combating fraud, injustice, corruption and other subversive acts will be granted special Presidential powers to enforce the laws without fear or favour and political manipulation," the PNC Presidential Candidate stated. He said: "as the Head of State of Ghana, I will meet the press at least once in every 60 days or shorter periods depending on the issues, so as to respond to their questions and open the government to media or public scrutiny to set the pace for government factionaries to do same." He said the fight against crime, drug trafficking and corruption has now assumed multidimensional approach, which demands collaboration with international and local agencies.

"A PNC led government would collaborate with Transparency International (IT), Amnesty International (AI), various governments and institutions worldwide that are committed and have achieved positive results in eliminating or reducing corruption and injustice in national life," he said.

He said PNC is unconditionally committed toward establishing genuine national reconciliation and a truly honest national government of integrity; "My Government will harness nationally and internationally all available Ghanaian talents and expertise irrespective of political persuasion for public responsibilities at levels.

"All positions in the Civil Service and the public sector will be advertised and the best talents that pass through a transparent interview will be appointed. Appointees to the very top executive position will be screened in full view of the public, similar to how prospective Ministers are screened by Parliament.

"I believe as a nation regardless of one's political persuasion, ethnic and economic circumstances must stay united and work together with all of our citizens through state and local governments, for accelerated development," the Presidential Candidate stated. He said; a PNC government will create an enabling environment for all our people to make the most of their lives - with stronger families, more educational opportunity, economic security, safer streets and a cleaner environment in a safer world.

"To improve the state of governance, we must ask more of ourselves, we must expect more of each other, and we must face our challenges together as a nation," Dr Mahama said. Focusing on the social fabric of society, the PNC Presidential Candidate said the nation was involved in democratic change and "we are going through the worst electioneering campaign since the struggle for independence.

"The political field is tainted with the exhibition of financial flamboyance, fanfare, intimidation, intra and inter party antagonism especially among members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) .the situation poses a serious threat to Election 2008.

"But unfortunately our religious and opinion leaders, the media and the international community are just seating on the sidelines watching as these two parties gradually plunged the nation into anarchy," the PNC Presidential Candidate stated.

He called on the electorates to reject arrogant politicians and worn-out political leaders; "we must avoid the danger of one party perpetuating itself in government for a longer period, it will stifle democracy and create dictatorship."

Dr Mahama lamented that while small numbers of Ghanaians were living better, "too many of our fellow citizens are working harder just to keep up, and they are rightly concerned about the security of their families."

The PNC Presidential Candidate said: "the nation cannot continue under a system where majority of its citizens were left to fend for themselves. Instead, we must go forward as one country, a nation working together to meet the challenges we face together. Self-reliance and teamwork are not opposing virtues; we must have both. "The challenges are significant. But Ghana was built on challenges, not promises. And when we work together to meet them, we never fail. That is the key to a PNC lead government agenda for real change which will re-ignite real hope in our people."

He therefore challenged other Presidential Candidates to tell the electorate how they intend to establish a framework of government, which shall secure for Ghanaians the blessings of liberty, equality of opportunity and prosperity for all who are willing to work.

On the campaign strategy of the party, Dr Mahama said it has adopted a three dimensional campaign method - the Presidential candidate takes the Upper West, Vice Presidential Candidate, Ms Petra Marie Amegashie moves to the Volta Region and Mrs Comfort Mahama, wife of the Presidential Candidate moves underground to interact with identifiable gender groups.

Dr Mahama called on the electorate to vote for him to form the next government to accelerate national development agenda, bring genuine national reconciliation and create enabling environment for economic boom.