Ghanaians have been urged to treasure the freedom of speech they are enjoying since it is an important ingredient for development. Mr Isaac Felix Appiah, Mfantseman East Constituency Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), noted that development suffered in societies where people were not allowed to express their views freely.
He urged critics of the government to "at least acknowledge the freedom of speech the NPP administration is encouraging and promoting in the country".Mr Appiah, who was speaking at a fund raising harvest organised by the Party at Ekumfi Essuehyia near Mankessim, mentioned the repeal of the criminal libel law and appealed to Ghanaians to guard against abusing the freedom.
He said, "It is an unpleasant experience to be in opposition" and urged party functionaries to refrain from life styles, which could discourage people from joining the NPP.Mr Kwamina Amoasi-Andoh, NPP parliamentary candidate for the 2004 elections, launched a membership drive with competition to reward the polling station branch, which registered more members with a motorbike for their party activities.
He reminded the party supporters that, "election is a game of numbers" and urged them to embrace as many people as possible into their fold.Mr Amoasi-Andoh said the government has promised to tar the Essuehyia-Immuna and Essuehyia-Ekumpoano-Arkra roads before the end of the year.
Alhaji M.B. Gibrine, Central Regional Organiser of the Party, advised supporters against activities, which could cause division within the NPP and asked them, to remain steadfast to ensure resounding victory in next year's general elections.
