Accra, Jan. 8, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor on Friday said Ghanaians bore the primary responsibility for the country's socio-economic development for their own welfare and happiness. He said although this challenge might seem intimidating, Ghanaians were capable of achieving it, adding, " we have already taken the first bold step and we must remain resolute in pursuit of our national goal". President Kufuor made the observation when proposing the toast at a State Banquet held in Accra as part of the inauguration of his second tenure in office.
He said, " from today, we have embarked on the second phase of our journey towards prosperous Positive Change Chapter Two and I call on Ghanaians to join the next Government to be formed in our march towards the political and socio-economic transformation of our country".
President Kufuor said there was enough evidence that the achievements made so far, particularly in governance, the macro-economic and some social developments had attracted strong international acclaim and respect.
"The nation has gained many more international friends and is confident that this friendship will translate in the shortest possible time to acts of concrete support for the country's economic development efforts. No other country ever developed another country".
President Kufuor was optimistic that the nation would grow in peace, stability, freedom and prosperity.
President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria and Chairman of the African Union (AU), replying to the toast, expressed appreciation to Ghanaians for the massive support for the Government and to retain it in power with a handsome win in the December elections.
He said there had been tremendous improvement in governance on the African Continent and within last year, about six countries conducted peaceful elections, which was an indication that democracy was thriving on the Continent.
The six countries were Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, and Algeria.
President Obasanjo commended the Government for its Positive Change policy that was being translated into action within the West African Sub-Region.
He said there had been good neighbourliness among West African States, more integration among them, not only through the diplomatic and political arena but the common currency and common market being envisaged as well as co-operation through the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) project.
