President Kufour promises to adhere strictly to rule of law

President John Agyekum Kufuor has restated his government's commitment to the rule of law, saying its primary objective is to foster liberal democracy.

"We'll uphold the rule of law religiously to make the people believe that the government belongs to them," Mr Kufuor said when he received four executive members of the Ghana Bar Association led by its president, Mr Ebo Quarshie.

The others are Mr William Ofori-Boafo, Vice-President, Ayikoe Otoo, Secretary, and Benson Nutsukpui, Assistant Secretary. They were at the State House to congratulate Mr Kufuor not only on his election as President but more significantly as the first lawyer to become Executive President of Ghana.

The President said that, as a lawyer, he is determined to make his professional colleagues proud by using the law as the cornerstone of his rule. "We believe that the law should provide the framework by which the people should be governed, a system where nobody will arrogate power to himself."

President Kufuor made reference to the manifesto of the NPP and said it made it clear that its policies and programmes would be implemented according to the laws of the land "as humanly" as possible.

"But should we be found wanting by society, it would not be of any ulterior motives," President Kufuor added. Mr Samuel Odoi-Sykes, Chairman of the ruling party, expressed gratitude to the GBA for its co-operation with the party in the past. He asked the Bar to regard the new government as a partner by making suggestions, especially on differences in national matters.

"We are ready to work together with members of the Bar. We'll understand them and move forward," Mr Odoi-Sykes reassured. Mr Quarshie said the GBA is happy about the commitment shown by the NPP to the rule of law. Particularly gratifying is the party's emphasis on agriculture as a main bloc for building a strong economy.

Mr Quarshie appealed to the new government to strengthen relevant constitutional constitutions such as the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice to enable it to enhance the confidence of the people in demanding their rights.