President John Agyekum Kufuor has accepted the resignations of ministers who are bidding to become the ruling party's presidential candidate in the 2008 general elections.

They are Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Felix Owusu-Agyapong, Water Resources, Works and Housing Minister, Hackman Owusu-Agyeman, Communication Minister, Professor Mike Ocquaye and Defence Minister, Dr. Kwame Addo Kufuor.

The rest are Minister of Education, Papa Owusu Ankomah, Trade Minister and Presidential Special Initiative, Alan Kyeremanten and Minister of Foreign Affairs and NEPAD, Nana Akuffo Addo.

A statement from the presidency and signed by Mr. Kwadwo Mpiani, Chief of Staff and Minister of Presidential Affairs, said after meeting with the ministers, the President asked them to stay on in office until Parliament approves the appointment of those who will soon be nominated to replace them.

Tourism Minister, Jake Obetsebi Lamptey did not attend the meeting. The statement said he had tendered his resignation earlier.

The President thanked them and wished all of them well.

He advised that the contest among them is within the family, and that they should all conduct themselves with civility, so that whoever wins will have the total support of the rest.