Voters asked to stand firm against selfish politicians

The United States Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Robert P. Jackson, has urged Ghanaian voters to stand firm against politicians who for selfish motives  will want to use the 2016 election to divide the country.

“As often said, the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men—good people—should do nothing.
“In the coming months, people who put their own interests ahead of all else will try to divide you. Stand firm, make it clear that you stand for peace and transparency,” he said in Accra on the occasion of the th anniversary of the Uniterd States’ independence from British colonial rule.

Politics of issues
To ensure that the November 7 polls are about issues, he rallied Ghanaian voters to be educated on the challenges that confront the country and demand that the candidates in the 2016 elections address those issues.
He mentioned issues such as job creation, abolishing modern-day slavery, fighting corruption, promoting decentralisation, providing quality education, health care and infrastructure needed solutions.
“It is up to you to vote for your Ghana. On  election day, some will win, some will lose. Regardless of how your candidate or your party fares, we all win when peace and transparency prevail, “he said.
With five months to go to the elections, only one political party—the Independence Peoples Party (IPP) has launched its manifesto.

Growing relationship
Although the US Independence Day falls on July 4, the day was observed in Ghana last Wednesday because of fears that it could clash with the Eid ul-Fitr celebrations.
The US has outgrown its status as a former colony and become a global power that has defined world history and politics.
A champion of democracy and human rights across the world, the US has had its influence, power and partnership being a subject of both controversy and praise.
With a growing bilateral trade between the two countries, the American diplomat said his goal for the next three years would be to double bilateral trade.
Bilateral trade between the two countries tilts in favour of the US, but Ambassador Jackson said while he would want more American products on the Ghanaian market, he would also want to see “Ghana transform its manufacturing sector and send an increased amount of ‘made in Ghana’ exports to the US market.”
Ghana-US diplomatic relations date back to 1957 and has remained cordial, except for a period of strained relations during the later years of the Nkrumah regime.  Ghana was the first country to which United States Peace Corps volunteers were sent in 1961.

Praise for Ghana-US
The Minister of Employment and Labour, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, who led the government delegation to the event, acknowledged the fruitful relationship between the two countries.
On Election 2016, he said the government had put in place all the necessary measures, with the cooperation of relevant state institutions, to ensure the success of the elections in “a peaceful, transparent and fair manner,” adding that Ghana would prevail as a beacon of democracy in Africa.
He stated that the decision of the American government to renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) which sought to open the American market to produce from Africa duty-free would provide more avenues and opportunities for Ghanaian businesses to continue accessing the US market.

Colourful night
The event was not just about speeches Afro-pop sensation Becca took over matters after the speeches, baiting the guests to dance to her popular tunes on a night rain fell like tiny tear drops.
On a glitzy night when culture, military tradition, food and music flowed, sporadic fireworks lit the dark sky, some spreading into the colours of the rainbow, accompanied by gunfire-like bangs to crown the event.