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General News of Monday, 4 October 2004

Source: Chronicle

Rawlings Has No Relatives in Ghana - Minister

The Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Kwadjo Adjei Darko, has said that ex-President J. J Rawlings is continuously beating war drums in Ghana because he has no relatives living in the country.

According to the Minister, the use of inflammatory language, which has the potential to disturb the peace in the country, is a trade mark of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and leaders.

The minister reiterated that the conduct of Mr. Rawlings is one that does not depict him as a former head of state who has ruled this country for twenty years.

He added that Mr. Rawlings and Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia who are noted for making "unnecessary noise and needless allegations" have nothing serious to lose, if war looms over the country.

The minister hinted that, Mr. Nketia and his family have their traveling documents available and have decided to leave the country for Canada, soon after the December elections, adding that the MP's "wife is already there, so why do you have to follow these persons who are just interested in achieving their own interests, to invade you to cause chaos and turmoil to destroy the nation we are very proud of?"

Mr. Adjei-Darko therefore warned all Ghanaians to be mindful of Mr. Rawlings and his team who have nothing relevant to offer the people, but want to misuse them for ungodly activities that have the tendency to disintegrate them.

The minister made the allegations at the fund raising ceremony of the Duayaw Nkwanta NPP to finance the activities of the party in the approaching general elections.

Mr. Adjei-Darko who is also the MP for Sunyani West noted that the fact that Rawlings was born out of revolution did not guarantee him the mandate to terrorize the noble people Ghana.

He threw the challenge that whoever doubts his claim that Rawlings has no family in Ghana should pinpoint any family funeral the Ex-President had attended or the last time he visited his family since he became a national figure.

He asserted that, whilst well meaning Ghanaians, including some leaders of the NPP have been praying for peace, unity, stability and peaceful elections, Rawlings and his members believe in "Antoa Nyamaa" and other lesser gods.

Mr. Adjei-Darko who blamed the hardships of this nation on the former president asked, "How can a nation prosper with a leader of Rawlings' caliber?"

The minister warned the NDC leadership against criticisms and accusations that the NPP government has brought about the socio-economic miseries and depression facing the people and the country.

He noted that every building begins with a foundation, therefore, Ghanaians are suffering at the expense of the weak foundation laid by the (P)NDC government.

Mr. Adjei-Darko emphasized that it would take any government a miracle to develop a country like Ghana to the level of America and other developed countries within a period of four years.

He thus called on all the people to support and collaborate with the NPP government to expedite the development of Ghana through good governance, rule of law, democracy and better policies.

The Minister urged the people not to feel intimidated towards the alarming inflammatory and seditious remarks by the members of the NDC in this December general elections.

He appealed to all Ghanaians to compare the performance of the NPP with that of the NDC and vote wisely to elect a good leader, who could market the nation and bring peace, unity, democracy and better development to the people.

He further appealed to traditional and religious leaders and political parties to advise their youth against intolerance, physical attacks, insults and violence, especially during the forthcoming presidential and parliamentary elections.