From Alhaji Bashiru Zakari ,Kumasi

The leader and the Interim National Chairman of the newly – formed United Front Party (UFP), Mr. John Akwasi Addai (aka ODIKE), has lamented over the nation’s economic problems, saying that since Independence, Ghana has only been able to consolidate its democracy.

“What is left now is for the nation and its people to embark on what can give it economic freedom to help improve the cultural living standards of the people”, he pointed out.

Speaking to the media in Kumasi, the UFP leader said Ghana is still under economic colonialism, adding that, “we are not free in our own country, one who is feeding you can buy your mind”.

Mr. Akwasi Addai said the UFP, had been presented with the Final Certificate by the Electoral Commission (EC) to operate as a fully -fledged party, and that he is ready to vie for the Presidency, on the ticket of the UFP, if he is elected at congress of the party, to help change the economic fortunes of Ghana.

According to him, if he is given the nod by Ghanaians in the 2012 elections, he will change the face of agriculture.
Mechanized agriculture will be the hallmark of UFP to increase cocoa production from its current metric tonnes.

“My party will also establish industries in the rural communities to stop urbanization of the youth and add value to primary products to earn foreign income to reduce the depreciation of the cedi”, he said.

He paid tribute to the late Gen. I.K. Acheampong for closing its borders with the so-called western powers, by relying on the Made- in- Ghana goods.

Touching on the way and manner Chinese have taken over businesses of indigenous Ghanaians, he said, that is improper and would be checked and put under control by a UFP government.

He said he was worried over the number of unemployed graduates in the country.
“My regime is going to change the current educational system to that which would only produce employees and professionals”, added Mr. Addai.