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as IFES, NIMDs and many more that time will not permit me to
mention. I would not be standing here if not for this experiment of
democratic governance.
Beloved Ghanaians, our campaign theme is “REAL CHANGE,
REAL HOPE”. We have been consistent with this theme since
1996 and indeed we launched a book on it in November, 2000.
This was before the elections in December, in which Ghanaians
desired change at any cost. The book entitled the New Ghanaian;
a Mandate for Change is in its 4th reprint as we speak. That
change must come to give hope to our young people, risking all
odds to cross the Sahara Desert to get to Europe. These young
daring Ghanaians are needed right here to build Ghana and we
must bring about the change that gives them hope to keep them
here.
Dr. Edward Mahama addressing the audience.
istinguished invited guests, fellow Ghanaians watching
by television or listening by radio, ladies and gentlemen,
Dgood evening.
Thank you IEA, GBC and Radio Joy for the opportunity you have
given me to share this platform with the honourable presidential
candidates of the political parties that have representation in
Parliament. Upfront, I commend IEA for the role it is playing in
this democratic dispensation in Ghana. I remember that IEA in
partnership with GBC and other media notably CNN organised
the first ever presidential debate in Ghana before the 2000
elections. Seven presidential candidates participated in that
debate.
I dare say that the building blocks and other materials required for
a durable true representative government are gradually being put
together. I take time to recognise these institutions and others such
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Fellow Ghanaians, the PNC and I believe that the monster of
under development facing Ghana as a Goliath can be defeated.
But you need a David. Simply, this Goliath we now know is
Corruption, Poverty, Ignorance and Disease.
Corruption
The fight against corruption has to be tackled on many fronts but I
will just mention the following that can be addressed immediately
by an elected President. At the personal level: A certain amount of
corruption is a perception problem. The President himself
therefore must be seen to abhor corruption. It will not be, do as I
say but not as I do, it will be, do as I say and do. That is leadership
by example.
At the legislative level: The PNC Administration shall pass laws
to deter would-be corrupt officials namely: Conflict of Interest
Laws, Freedom of Information and Whistle Blower Protection
laws.
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