President-elect, John Agyekum Kufuor has delivered his first public address after being declared the winner of the run-off election this morning.
Dressed in all white, which symbolizes victory, Mr. Kufuor reiterated his desire to form an all-inclusive government. "Everybody has his or her part to play in my administration, there will be no room for witch-hunting of individuals or groups" he told a jubilant crowd at his Airport residence in Accra.
Mr. Kufuor very aware of the enormous problems facing him and his team as they prepare to take over asked for loyal support and help to make the transition from the outgoing government to the new administration as easy and as productive as possible.
He assured that when he took over, he would be the President of all Ghanaians and not that of his party, the New Patriotic Party. "Yesterday, I was the candidate of my party, today I am the President-elect of all Ghanaians".
He pledged to be mindful of his responsibilities as president of all Ghanaians and to work hard to bring about the "positive change" in the lives of all people.
The President-elect describes the democratic process as an achievement for all. He however warned that all must remain mindful that "this is only the beginning. Ahead of us lie the challenges of our deteriorating economy, our depreciating currency and other problems of which we are all aware". He urged all to join forces in confronting the challenges and solve them in the spirit of unity. "We must move forward into the new century as one nation, one people with one manifest destiny", the man refereed to as the gentle giant said.
He asked for the support and prayers of all Ghanaians for his government and himself. "We are at the start of a brand new century and with your support, we can make it a Ghanaian century". The President-elect thanked the incumbent Vice-President and his opponent in the just-ended fierce battle to the seat of government for graciously conceding defeat. He also thanked the President, Jerry John Rawlings for presiding over what he called "a historic election", after his term of office as President of the Republic. Mr. Kufuor reiterated his intentions to accord the outgoing president all the courtesies due him as a former president.
The program was also attended by the leadership of the five other parties who lend their support to the NPP during the re- run. Notable among them was the unsuccessful Presidential Candidate and running mate of the People's National Convention (PNC), Dr. Edward Mahama and Mr. Bannerman Baah Ntim.
The leader of the United Ghana Movement (UGM), Dr. Charles Wereko-Brobby and his running mate were also present. The Reform Party was represented by its Chairman, Peter Kpordugbe, whilst the CPP was also resented by its Chairman and Vice-Chairman.
Mr. Kufuor thanked his compatriots and all Ghanaians for their support in the struggle. The jubilant crowd at his residence mobbed him after his address amidst singing and chanting of party slogans. Mr. Kufuor's victory is seen as another great achievement for Ghana. It has been described by the International Community as a victory for democracy adding it demonstrates further Ghana's pacesetter role on the continent.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Electoral Commission, Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan declared the NPP candidate as President- elect of the Republic. He told a press conference that although the result of the Asokwa constituency in the Ashanti is yet to be announced, irrespective of what the outcome may be, Mr. Kufuor has won.
Unconfirmed reports from the constituency however indicate that a 'macho man' who carried two of the ballot boxes in the constituency has been lynched and burnt with the boxes. The Commission is yet to make a final declaration on that.
