Choose leaders with the right ability and attitude - Aliu

Gomoa Nyanyano (C/R), Oct 09, GNA - Vice President Aliu Mahama has urged Ghanaians to elect competent and selfless leaders who are determined to mobilize the strengths and resources of their people to improve their standard of living.

"Politics is not war. It is about choosing the best person to serve your needs, to work with you to improve your welfare and develop your community. So you must listen to all the competitors and question them on their track record and ability to be able to choose well."

Vice President Mahama repeated this message when he addressed various durbars in 12 towns and villages in the Central Region as part of his two-day outreach programme to the Central Region.

President Kufuor, he said, had provided exemplary leadership and done a yeoman's job and deserved another mandate to accomplish his vision to make Ghana a prosperous nation.

Vice President Mahama commissioned a 490 million-cedi primary school block financed from the HIPC Fund for the Mother Teresa School for Girls at Senya Beraku that enrols destitute and poor girls to stem child trafficking in the area.

Vice President Mahama advised the pupils to take their studies seriously for their personal development and that of their communities and to be disciplined and hardworking.

The traditional leaders of Gomoa Nyanyano, Ekumfi Ekrawfu, Gomoa Lome and the other areas where he visited commended the government for swiftly responding to their request about addressing some of their socio-economic needs.

Addressing the durbars held in honour of Vice President Mahama, the chiefs said some requests made during previous visits of the President and the Vice Presidents to their areas had already been addressed.

Nana Obeng Wiabo V, Odikro of Gomoa Nyanyano, expressed gratitude for the 6.15 billion cedis recently granted to them by the government to boost salt mining and business activities in the area.

Nana Wiabo said the assistance was granted through the initiative of the Vice President who, after inspecting their salt ponds last year, assured them that he would work with the relevant institutions to offer them financial support.

The Odikro of Gomoa Lome, Osuamon Ankomah, also thanked the Vice President for making well his promise to them last year that the old junior secondary school bloc would be replaced.

At Ekumfi Ekrawfu, Nana Baah IV, acting President of Ekumfi Traditional Area, said the Esuehyia-Abiram, Atwa-Dunkwa and Eyisam-Narkwa roads had been awarded on contract following President Kufuor's recent visit to the area.

The chief, who has been on the throne for 46 years, described President Kufuor's leadership qualities as outstanding, saying his God-fearing nature had reflected in his style.

The chiefs of Mankessim, Twifo Hemang, Anomabo and Saltpond also expressed similar appreciation for the rapid response to their needs. They expressed the hope that their outstanding requests would also be met soon.

Professor Dominic Fobih, Minister of Land and Forestry, Mr Kwamena Bartels, Minister of Private Sector Development, Ms Christine Churcher, Minister of State responsible for Basic, Secondary and Girl-Child Education, Mr Stephen Asamoah-Boateng, Deputy Minister of Information and other officials accompanied the Vice President. 09 Oct 04