Ghana has taken another giant step towards the consolidation of democracy as one democratically elected President gives way to another.  

The transition witnessed by Presidents Gen. Olushegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, Captain Blaise Campaore of Burkina Faso, Gnassingbe Eyadema of Togo, Abdulai Wade of Senegal and the Vice-President of the Republic of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, was described by many as "very impressive and successful".

Ghanaians briefed a sigh of relief as they saw the immediate past President, Jerry John Rawlings and the newly sworn-in President, John Agyekum Kufuor in a warm embrace to signify unity and their common commitment to the deepening of democracy in Ghana.

In his inaugural address, President Kufuor emphasized his readiness to build a new Ghana and accordingly declared, "we have work to do and that starts today". He said, "the spontaneous joy and feeling of goodwill that is in the country since December 28 should not be allowed to disappear without translating it to tangible improvement in the lives of the masses of our people". 

He also touched on a wide range of issues amidst spontaneous cheer from the enthusiastic supporters of the NPP, including his determination to bring an end to the murder of women on the streets of Ghana. He also reiterated his resolve not to tolerate any form of corruption in his government, saying, "there will be zero tolerance" in his administration.

Mr. Kufuor acknowledged the economic problems in the country and which his administration would be confronted with and accordingly called on the International Community to keep faith in the country and realize that "we are faced with economic difficulties. We need the continuous support of our foreign friends and I urge them to consider seriously the appeals that are being made for the release of debts" adding this will enable us build our economy.

Mr. Kufuor, mainly regarded during the entire campaign period as the savior, made a passionate appeal to all Ghana's citizens living abroad to bring their expertise and capital home to "rebuild mother Ghana". 

"Never again should Ghanaians dubious means to get to or live in foreign lands simply to make a living, and certainly should Ghanaians have to seek political asylum anywhere in the world", the gentle giant said.

He pointed out his preparedness to tolerate all forms of political opinions saying, "there is room for differences of political opinion".

Mr. Kufuor reiterated his government's and his personal commitment to seeing to the well being of all Ghana's women. Accordingly, he disclosed that, "my government would establish a Ministry of Women's Affairs with a Cabinet rank, to all ensure that the interest of women are properly attended to.

He indicated that his government would ensure that there is "Rule of Law and every citizen would be protected under the law and nobody would be victimized because of tribe or religious affiliation". 

President Kufuor also declared his full support for the private sector saying it is the main agent of wealth creation. "My government would therefore support every feasible venture", he promised, placing emphasis on the encouragement of small and medium scale businesses. "My resolution is to launch a golden age of business in our country". He called on fishermen and farmers to accept new work ethics and embrace new ways of working.

The President also promised to commit himself to constant dialogue and corporation with the Trades Union Congress to bring improvement in the lives of workers.

He made a special plea to all institutions of state to join in the building of the nation and also demanded loyalty from the public and civil services as well as the security services as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces.
 
Mr. Kufuor committed himself to regional and international co-operation and pledged to work towards the realization of peace on the continent.

To the expectant Ghanaians, the President said, "I shall lead you into a prosperous, peaceful and progressive Ghana".

 In his address, President of Nigeria and the Guest of Honor, Gen. Olushegun Obasanjo congratulated the President and the people of Ghana for the historic achievement, saying his country rejoices in this peaceful change of power.

He noted that with this smooth and peaceful transfer of power, "Ghana will be making a significant contribution to the march of democracy in Africa". 

Gen. Obasanjo cautioned that the task ahead is of daunting proportion, sighting his personal example. He advised Ghana's new President to "begin by identifying as a matter of priority what needs to be put right, what needs to be done and how to bring about those changes that will be sensitive to the aspirations of the people, as well as effective in enhancing the quality of life throughout the country".

The Nigerian President also advised his Ghanaian counterpart to "initiate policies and take measures whose effectiveness is convincing enough to attract your international friends to assist you".

To the Ghanaian populace, he noted "from experience" that change would not happen overnight, "it will be unrealistic to expect that". According to him, the process of change needs to be nurtured with full commitment of hope in the Lord," adding that they must bear in mind that all changes require sacrifice.

Gen. Obasanjo noted that the President would require all hands to be on deck in the true sense of democracy and inspire all Ghanaians with the spirit of patriotism, which recognizes that everybody is a stakeholder. He added that that is the only way to build a fraternize society.

He pledged Nigerians continuous support for Ghana in the spirit of good neighborliness. "Nigeria would continue to e willing and prepared to support political stability, economic prosperity and general well being of the people of Ghana".

He also paid homage to the role of the immediate past President of the Republic, Jerry John Rawlings and expressed the confidence that the contribution of the new President can be counted upon towards accelerated socio-economic transformation of the African sub-region and the integration efforts at the continental level. 

The Nigerian President also called for the consistent and persistent vigilance and involvement of all citizens. "Your President needs you and you are partners, and you need your President, but above all, Ghana needs each and every Ghanaian". He noted that if this degree of harmony can be achieved, "you will with God's grace, become a great nation and a star of Africa".  
  Courtesy of Ghana.Com