Uphold the truth at all times

The Former President, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, has called on Ghanaians to uphold the truth at al1 times, acknowledge the positive contributions others have made and continue to make to national developments, and draw useful lessons from the past in order to move the nation forward.

He pointed out that without imbibing and putting these positive values into practice, the level of socio-economic progress anticipated to support a better life for the people would prove elusive.

The former President was speaking at a dinner at the Banquet Hall of the State, House to honour him and the former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings for the leadership that he provided the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Progressive Alliance and also for selflessly serving the nation for nearly 20years.

It was sponsored by the NDC. According to the former President, the crucifixion of the truth and the deliberate misrepresentation of issues and events, undermine not only the image and integrity of individuals but also the peace, order and stability of the nation.

He, therefore, called on Ghanaians to resist such negative traits, especially the resort to the air waves and sections of the media to peddle such falsehoods, and join hands, instead in defence of the truth and honesty, to help consolidate the peace and stability that the nation has enjoyed in the past one and half decades.

On the defeat suffered by the NDC in the December general elections, former President Rawlings said that even though it was disappointing to lose the mandate of the people to carry through the party's policies and programmes, it was nevertheless, "an important wake-up call for the party".

He said such an event, far from discouraging the leadership and followers of the party, should rather help reinvigorate the party and position it to stake a more credible claim to power in the 2004 general elections.

The NDC leader noted that given the extent of commitment shown by the party to the interests of the nation and the well being of the people over the years, members and supporters have reason to hold their heads high.

He indicated that preparations were underway for the holding of an early national congress to elect a new executive to steer the affairs of the party and urged members and supporters to show more commitment towards the reorganisation exercise to help the party realise its objective of recapturing power in 2004.

Professor J.E Atta Mills, former Vice-President and Flagbearer of-the NDC in the 2000 elections, paid tribute to former President Rawlings, describing him as a visionary who has selflessly devoted his life to the service of the nation and to the upliftment of the quality of life of the people.

He noted that under the leadership of President Rawlings, Ghana did not only chalk modest socio-economic and political feats but has also scored impressive diplomatic successes, which greatly raised the international image and standing of the country and made it a beacon of Hope for the people of Africa.