President Kufuor asked to ensure peaceful transition

Mr. Daniel Ohene Agyekum, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has urged President John Agyekum Kufuor to peacefully hand over political power to the next government when his term of office ends on January 7 to consolidate the nation's fledging democracy.  He said the transition of power from one government to another is a significant landmark which could either blemish or enhance the nation's reputation for the rule of law and called for a smooth transition in the interest of national development.  Mr. Agyekum said this when he addressed the inaugural ceremony of  NDC Youth Wing known as "Create Umbrella" at Juaso in the Asante Akim South District.  The group, which has an eight member executive, was formed as part of the party's effort to canvass for votes.  He appealed to members of the party, especially polling station agents, to be vigilant on Election Day and resist any electoral malpractice.  He said Ghanaians were yearning for change after the NPP's eight-year rule which had brought hardships on Ghanaians and that the NDC represented the best alternative to salvage the nation from further economic hardships.  Mr. Agyekum urged members of "Create Umbrella" to work hard to attract first time voters to the party.  Alhaji Sanni, Ashanti Regional First Vice Chairman of the party, said the NPP had failed to honour its numerous campaign promises and called on Ghanaians to vote them out.  He said an NDC government would pursue sound economic policies that would improve the livelihood of the average Ghanaian. GNA