‘Solid foundations laid vital for development'

Pg 15 (Politics lead) Mon. March 10/08

Story: Charles Benoni Okine

THE solid foundations of social and economic stability, infrastructural development and educational reforms should serve as a strong base for the next government to propel the nation into a middle income country, some senior citizens have advised.
According to them, President Kufuor’s legacy can be described as one of the best in the country and that poses an enormous challenge for the next government.
The senior citizens were sharing their views in an interview with the Daily Graphic on the performance of Ghana’s second president under the Fourth Republic shortly after a colourful parade by the security services and schoolchildren to mark the 51st anniversary of Ghana’s independence from British Colonial rule in 1957.
President Kufuor who assumed power on January 7, 2001, ends his two term next year with what the senior citizens described as a yeoman’s job.
Professor George Hagan, Chairman of the National Commission on Culture, outlined the infrastructure development in the country such as well laid road networks, telecommunications, among others, as some of the major legacies of President Kufuor.
He said under President Kufuor, Ghana had known unprecedented peace and political stability to an extent that all Ghanaians and foreigners were able to go about their normal duties without fear or intimidation.
“Just look around and soberly reflect on what has happened in the country over the past seven years and you will understand what I am saying; This is my candid opinion and the landmarks are there for all to see”, he added.
Professor Hagan, onetime active member of the Conventions People’s Party (CPP), said under President Kufuor, the country now had the national Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for which Ghanaians who make a little contribution towards the scheme are able to enjoy enormous health care.
He also mentioned the educational reforms which were being implemented and indicated that although the President had not accomplished all for the country, his achievements were enough for whoever succeeded him to move the country to the next level.
“It was under his regime that Ghana discovered oil in commercial quantities and wisely too, he has taken measures to ensure that when full production started, we will benefit fully from the find”, he added.
Professor Hagan also noted that the next President should also display a lot of courage in all his endeavours “but above all, he should be able to further unify the people, show a lot of humility and openness”.
Mrs Elizabeth Amoako Enimil, Deputy Director of Secondary Education at the Ghana Education Service in Accra, was also full of praise for the President, describing him as a true leader.
“President Kufuor has achieved a lot these in seven years and that sets the tone for the next government”, she added.
Mrs Enimil mentioned the NHIS and the country’s infrastructure in terms of roads in every part of the country as a major legacy.
“Being an educationist, I can say more for that sector and the reforms within the sector cannot be overlooked”, she added.
Mrs Enimil mentioned the capitation grant and the school feeding programme which, according to her had all helped improve child enrolment.
She said the reforms were an indication of the commitment of President Kufuor to build a solid human resource base for the country.
“These are but many he has done and the next President must build on and Ghana will be the best place to live under the sun”, she added.
A Senior State Protocol Director at the State House in Accra, Mr Daniel Kwasi Amoako, for his part, asked Ghanaians to rally around the next President to be able to continue with the good works of President Kufuor.
He said Ghanaians must see themselves as one and always work in unity to move the country to the next level.
Mr Amoako said President Kufuor had been able to uphold good governance, rule of law and ensured freedom of the press.
On political and economic stability, he said the achievements were there for all to see and noted that those achievements posed a huge challenge for those who will take up the mantle of governance in January next year.
A retired female educationist who would not mention here name thanked President Kufuor for how far he had brought Ghana and also advised whoever took the reigns of government to emulate his examples.
She said a country without infrastructure, stability and freedom could not stand and noted that these were hallmarks that could serve as major legacies of the Kufuor administration.