Presidential aspirants must declare asserts

Fijai (W/R), Dec.3, GNA- Dr Kwaku Osafo, a presidential aspirant of the Convention People's Party (CPP), at the weekend, called on presidential aspirants of all the political parties to declare their assets.

He made the call when addressing the Western Regional Delegates Congress of the CPP at Fijai.

Dr. Osafo said declaration of assets would indicate the preparedness of the aspirants to fight corruption and ensure transparency when they assume power.

He said he has already declared his assets and would eliminate corruption and ensure transparency if he becomes President of Ghana. Dr Osafo said presidential aspirants should not allow their party affiliation to take precedence over the country's interest and development.

He observed that unemployment in the country was due to the lack of skills on the part of the youth and said he would promote vocational and technical education. Dr. Osafo said he would also establish a Kwame Nkrumah Research University if he comes to power.

Other CPP presidential aspirants; Professor Agyeman Badu Akosa, Mr Bright Akwettey, Mr George Oposika Aggudey and Dr F.W.A. Akuffo, addressed the congress.

Prof Akosa asked party delegates to elect a presidential aspirant that is imbued with the spirit of Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah the CPP national congress.

He said the party seems to be losing the spirit of Dr Nkrumah and this should be recaptured, to enable the party to take its rightful place in the country's politics and win the 2008 Election. Prof Akosa said the party would improve the conditions of the people and make it possible for people living in the streets to earn a decent living, if it wins power.

He said he would take the presidency to the people and make the state instead of the government the primary actor.

Prof Akosa said he would be the people's president and under his government, the private sector would be part of the growth of the economy rather than the engine of growth.

Mr Bright Akwettey stressed the need for Ghanaians to take control over the productive sectors of the economy and natural resources. He urged the government to stop issuing new mining licences because the people are not benefiting from mining.

Mr Akwettey said he would improve the country's security to reduce the crime rate if voted into power in 2008.

The aspirant said he would improve the working and living conditions of the police so that they would compromise because of money. Mr. Aggudey expressed satisfaction about the rapport between the media and politicians and urged them to maintain the relationship to deepen the country's democracy.

He advised politicians to talk about Ghana and how to improve the lot of the citizenry and make the country viable for investment to reduce poverty.

Mr Ekow Duncan who is aspiring for the General Secretary position of the party, said the CPP was united although the Nkrumahist front seemed divided.

He noted that Nkrumah was a universal authority on colonialism and de-colonalization.

Mr. Duncan said help deepen democracy and ensure the total participation of the people in governance if elected.