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Rawlings in US to Receive Award

Wed, 9 May 2001 Source: GNA

Former President Jerry John Rawlings on Monday denied ever saying that he does not believe in democracy but what he actually said was that he does not believe in multi-party system in a developing country.
"If I did not believe in democracy then how come we were voted out of power and I accepted it", he said.
Former President Rawlings was answering questions on various issues in an interview with newsmen at the airport before his departure to the U.S to receive an award.
The Ex-president said at the appropriate time, he would explain his stand and views on multi-party system to Ghanaians.
The former leader called on Ghanaians to bear with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government and give it the necessary support, but advised the new government to be honest and not use the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as an excuse for the difficulties they are facing.
"Things are going to be tough and promises they made would not be easily attained and would need your full support".
Flt. Lt. Rawlings said he would do all he could to support the government but cautioned that Ghanaians must always be told the truth.
He said the stability of the country depends on Ghanaians and not him and urged every Ghanaian to ensure that it is sustained.
The Press, Former President Rawlings said, was nursed and matured during the NDC era, and should play the role expected of them in freedom, adding, "to us in Ghana, democracy is a learning process and we can't afford not to succeed".
On his last visit to the U.S, where officials from Ghana's High Commission did not meet him, Former President Rawlings explained that it was due to lack of communication and was not intentional.
He said the High Commissioner later apologised for the lapse and he was accorded the necessary protocol.
Earlier, Professor Danso Boafo, former Minister of Health outlined the itinerary for the Former President's visit to the U.S.
He said the Former President has been invited by the Bethune-Du-Bois Institute to receive as award in recognition of his spectacular record of public services to Africa and particularly Ghana.
Prof. Danso said previous winners of the award include Mrs Coretta-Scot King, Ambassador Andrew Young, Dr. Maya Angelou, the late Rev. Leon H. Sullivan, Chief Moshood Abiola and the CNN Chairman, Ted Turner.
Former President Rawlings would leave the US for Japan on Thursday, May 10 to participate in the plenary session of the Inter-Action Council of former world leaders.
The Council meets every year to consider topics of significance to the world community.
Former President Rawlings is expected to travel later on to Brussels, Belgium where he would make a statement at the conference of least developed countries.
He would also attend a session on "Enhancing Productive Capacity-The Role of Health," which would focus on the impact of malaria and HIV/AIDS, on the productive human resources of developing countries.
Former President Rawlings was seen off by Japan's Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Hiromu Nitta.

Former President Jerry John Rawlings on Monday denied ever saying that he does not believe in democracy but what he actually said was that he does not believe in multi-party system in a developing country.
"If I did not believe in democracy then how come we were voted out of power and I accepted it", he said.
Former President Rawlings was answering questions on various issues in an interview with newsmen at the airport before his departure to the U.S to receive an award.
The Ex-president said at the appropriate time, he would explain his stand and views on multi-party system to Ghanaians.
The former leader called on Ghanaians to bear with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government and give it the necessary support, but advised the new government to be honest and not use the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as an excuse for the difficulties they are facing.
"Things are going to be tough and promises they made would not be easily attained and would need your full support".
Flt. Lt. Rawlings said he would do all he could to support the government but cautioned that Ghanaians must always be told the truth.
He said the stability of the country depends on Ghanaians and not him and urged every Ghanaian to ensure that it is sustained.
The Press, Former President Rawlings said, was nursed and matured during the NDC era, and should play the role expected of them in freedom, adding, "to us in Ghana, democracy is a learning process and we can't afford not to succeed".
On his last visit to the U.S, where officials from Ghana's High Commission did not meet him, Former President Rawlings explained that it was due to lack of communication and was not intentional.
He said the High Commissioner later apologised for the lapse and he was accorded the necessary protocol.
Earlier, Professor Danso Boafo, former Minister of Health outlined the itinerary for the Former President's visit to the U.S.
He said the Former President has been invited by the Bethune-Du-Bois Institute to receive as award in recognition of his spectacular record of public services to Africa and particularly Ghana.
Prof. Danso said previous winners of the award include Mrs Coretta-Scot King, Ambassador Andrew Young, Dr. Maya Angelou, the late Rev. Leon H. Sullivan, Chief Moshood Abiola and the CNN Chairman, Ted Turner.
Former President Rawlings would leave the US for Japan on Thursday, May 10 to participate in the plenary session of the Inter-Action Council of former world leaders.
The Council meets every year to consider topics of significance to the world community.
Former President Rawlings is expected to travel later on to Brussels, Belgium where he would make a statement at the conference of least developed countries.
He would also attend a session on "Enhancing Productive Capacity-The Role of Health," which would focus on the impact of malaria and HIV/AIDS, on the productive human resources of developing countries.
Former President Rawlings was seen off by Japan's Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Hiromu Nitta.

Source: GNA