THE 2008 Presidential Candidate for Ghana’s ruling New Patriotic Party, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has said in London that only a sustained vigorous capacity building exercise for the nation will sustain the ongoing development process in the country.) He said the need to strengthen existing developmental institutions in the country to maximize production in all sectors of the economy could not be overemphasised. In his view, the Ghana can move forward when its human resource base is solid and facilities are provided for effective work and good results.

Nana Akufo-Addo was interacting with top African and black journalists in London. The Presidential Candidate was transiting in London from North America where he had met Ghanaians to introduce himself to them.

The meeting attracted a wide-range of renowned and seasoned black journalists working in the media in the UK. Among them was Ghana’s eminent BBC presenter for Network Africa, Komla Dumor, Cameron Duodu, a veteran journalist, Michelle Okoh of the Trumpet, Isaac Amo- Kyereme of African Echo, Kwaku Owusu Frimpong of Rainbow radio and the editor for the Western Africa Magazine, Chris Meregini. Also present was the African editor for the BBC World Service, Martin Plaut. In reference to a question about Ghana’s education sector, the NPP Flag bearer noted that a large deficit of teacher production occurred primarily due to the high exodus of teachers from the country during the early eighties. This problem was not tackled well until the NPP came to power in the year 2001. “When we assumed office we realized that just good classroom and other educational facilities do not necessarily provide good education” he observed. “That is why I will continue the ongoing educational policies of my party to ensure that teachers are well resourced and motivated to deliver” He said.

He told the journalists that the NPP government under the leadership of President Kufour has pursued a dynamic educational improvement programme which has seen much improvement in educational standards in Ghana. “This is what I will continue as the President of the country if the mandate is given to me.” Nana Akufo-Addo emphasised.

“You can provide the best of infrastructure and facilities within the educational sector, if we have no teachers or those we have are not well motivated and less resourced you cannot achieve results.” He added He said the teacher is the key figure in any form of educational reforms programme and said that is why a government that he would form would restore the primacy of the teachers’ welfare.

The Presidential candidate expressed the optimism of how his plans on capacity building as Ghana’s next President, if elected in December, will work for all Ghanaians who work in the formal and informal sectors. He praised the teachers, nurses, and all civil and public servants for their dedication under limited resources.

In an answer to African Echo’s question as to why some members of his party are not happy with an award Ghana’s president is purported to be getting ready to decorate the opposition leader with, Nana Addo said if President Kufour had indeed decided to award the opposition leader he had no problem with it. The president should rather be applauded for such a move which is not common in Africa.

“Democracy has deepened in Ghana, the rule of law prevails and honestly Ghanaians who will be voting in the general elections will not be voting because of awards but on the records of the various manifestoes” He observed.

On the questions regarding the provision of a jet and a residence for the Presidency, Nana Akufo- Addo reiterated the need for such facilities in modern governance. “Critics of these have intentionally closed their minds to the productivity of the president. We are talking of a president who must regularly attend meetings and achieve economic results for the whole country.

He said at the end of the day there will be the need to measure up achievements by way of productivity. He lamented on the use of the Osu Castle which is used currently by the presidency and said it does not befit Ghana. “How can a modern President of a country like Ghana, operate from a slave castle for business with the international community? He enquired.

Nana Akufo-Addo who answered questions on corruption, poverty, this year’s elections, national awards and drug trafficking among others described the West African sub region as a risk zone of international drug trafficking and said we all have to do something about it.

He noted however that the upsurge of the drug trafficking stories could also be explained as the efficiency in the enforcement of the law on drug trafficking. He expressed the believe that many more people are being arrested than before. He said his government will continue to resource the security agencies to further war against such vices. He called on the international community especially within the sub region to help arrest the situation.