Dedicate yourselves to national development, Ghanaians advised

Accra, Jan. 4, GNA - Professor Kwanbena Frimpong Boateng, Director of the Cardiothoracic Centre, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, has cautioned that unless Ghanaians dedicate themselves to national development, the country would continue to lag behind in industrialisation. He said that during the colonial era, Ghanaians who were not engineers took part in the construction of railways in the country but "today we are waiting for outsiders to repair the broken down railways." Prof. Boateng was speaking at the 29th Annual Technology Exhibition of Kristo Asafo Church, in Accra on Sunday.

He said that even though education was the foundation for development, the country's technical institutions, universities and polytechnics could not propel the country to industrialisation. Prof. Frimpong said: "leadership at all levels - at the home and work place is another dilemma of the progress of Ghana". He said that any nation that could not provide its people with food, clothing and shelter has no chance of survival and called on Ghanaians irrespective of their political affiliations to support the government to succeed.

Dr. Vladimir Antwi Danso, a Senior Lecture at the Legeon Centre for International Affairs, advised journalists to desist "from wedging war among politicians by pitching them together on the microphones, instead they should use the air time to project the country's technological development." He called on government to make allocation for the purchase of cars manufactured by Kristo Asafo and assist the Church to advance its technological achievement to create jobs for the youth.

Apostle Dr. Osafo Katanka leader of the Church, asked Ghanaians to move away from outmoded agricultural practices and undertake mechanised farming to increase production.

He said even though Ghana gained independence about 52 years ago, the people still relied on the "white man", and wondered who was to be blamed for the woes of the country since it was blessed with natural resources including minerals and timber.

Apostle Dr. Osafo called for the training of more experts such as engineers to assist in the country's industrial development. Prof. Nana Opoku-Agyeman, Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, called on Ghanaians to persevere and work hard for the country to achieve its technological goals.

Participants at the exhibition, including academicians, security personnel, politicians, members of the Church and member of the public, said they considered the technological achievement of Apostle Dr. Katanka as the country's industrial take off.

Luxurious Kantanka limousines with inbuilt television set and security cameras were some of the exhibits that stunned the participants. Locks that could open just at the knock on the door, television sets that were tuned on or off with a clap of the hand close to the screen, engine stabilizers, curtains that could spread or fold at a gentle clap of the hands and many other items were on display.