Nankesido (C/R), Oct. 9, GNA - The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Stephen Asamoah-Boateng, has appealed to the electorate to retain the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in power in appreciation for its achievements. "Transform your appreciation for the achievements of the NPP administration into massive votes in the upcoming poll," he said. He made the call at the "Ayerye festival" of the chief and people of Saltpond Lower Town also known as Nankesido at the weekend. Mr. Asamoah-Boateng, who is also the Member of Parliament for Mfantseman West, said the NPP government had made it possible for Ghanaians to have access to medical care by paying a token health insurance premium.

"If our children can have basic education without paying fees, then you must reciprocate the gesture by retaining the government in power to enable it to carry on with the good policies it has initiated." The minister urged Ghanaians, especially the political parties, the staff of the Electoral Commission and the security apparatus to ensure that the poll is conducted in a peaceful, free and fair manner. Mr Asamoah-Boateng said the government had not abandoned off-shore oil exploration at Saltpond and that it would be done hand in hand with that of the Cape Three Points in the Western Region. Mr. Robert Quainoo-Arthur, Mfantseman Municipal Chief Executive, urged people in the municipality to be grateful to the government for solving their perennial water problem by upgrading the Baifikrom waterworks.

He said the road network in the municipality had been rehabilitated especially those at Anomabo, Saltpond and Manekssim. Nana Baah VII, chief of Nankesido and the Nifahene of Nkusukum Traditional Area, called on the electorate to take into consideration the capabilities of personalities when deciding on how to cast their votes on December 7. "Do not vote for political parties but for candidates," he said. He appealed to parents to invest in the education of their children since it was the key to development and the surest way to come out of poverty.