Nobody, including myself, wants a military coup - Rawlings

Dadiesoaba (B/A) July 22 GNA - The Former President Jerry John Rawlings, on Tuesday said any change of government should be done through constitutional means and not through the barrel of the gun. Former President Rawlings, who has led two military administrations in Ghana, said, "Nobody, including myself, wants a military coup in the country again".

He was addressing political rallies at Dadiesoaba in Asutifi District and Bechem in Tano South District as part of a three-day electioneering campaign tour of the Brong Ahafo Region to canvass for votes to return the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to power in Election 2004.

He, however cautioned the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) not to exploit the opposition of Ghanaians to coup d' tats, to perpetuate arbitrary rule that only favoured its political cronies.

"If it has now become a house-hold decision that we do not want to experience military take-overs, then it is the responsibility of the Government, to ensure that at least the majority of the population do not encounter difficulty through bad governance."

Former President Rawlings said the primary objective of any government was to provide infrastructure to the communities and referred to the extension of the national electricity grid to all parts of the country including Brong Ahafo, during his tenure as President. He told the NDC activists and supporters that the Election 2004 was the Party's last chance to win back power.

"If you let this chance to slip by, you are doomed, since President Kufuor and the NPP have nothing ahead for the nation."

Former President Rawlings accused some Journalists of manufacturing negative stories about him to suit the whims and caprices of the Government.

Alhaji Collins Dauda, Regional Chairman of the NDC blamed the Government for the high cost of living in the country. The former President is expected to address similar rallies at Dormaa-Ahenkro, Sunyani, Kintampo and Nkoranza.