The Asanteman Council has declared its confidence in Nana Akufo-Addo as a thoroughbred politician with the capability to lead the nation to progress when elected president. At a durbar at the Manhyia Palace presided over by the Asantehene Otumfuo II, all the chiefs said with President Kufuor’s endorsement of Nana Akufo-Addo, coupled with the flag-bearer's own remarkable history as a politician and legal brain, there was little doubt that he would perform creditably when given the mandate. The durbar was organised on Tuesday to welcome Nana Akufo-Addo and his running Mahamudu Bawumia, at the start of their eight-day campaign tuor of the Ashanti Region. President Kufuor took the opportunity to introduce Nana Akufo-Addo and his running mate to Otumfuo and sought Otumfuo’s blessings to enable them to win the elections to which the Otumfuo obliged and said, “I bless you to have a successful election, especially as you come from the Oyoko Clan of which I am the leader." Introducing Nana Akufo-Addo, President Kufuor said Nana Addo served with distinction in two ministries under his presidency and it was not surprising that the NPP elected him to contest the presidential poll. The President, who also used the occasion to thank Otumfuo and Asanteman for supporting him in his administration, said, "I think I have not disappointed you." He submitted that the achievements his government had chalked up was unprecedented in the history of the nation but noted that this could not have been achieved without the support of Asanteman. He appealed to Otumfuo and Nananom to extend similar support to Nana Akufo-Addo when he became President. Otumfuo Osei Tutu said even though, as Asantehene, he could not publicly declare his support for any political party, "I can tell you that it is where I look that my people also look". He urged Nana Akufo-Addo to be truthful, honest and dedicated to the task before him, stressing that he and his people would support him when he became the president of Ghana. Otumfuo Osei Tutu challenged all presidential aspirants and their followers to show respect to one another as the campaign for the December polls heated up. He said insults, physical attacks and insinuations that had bedeviled the political campaigns were a source of concern to him because such actions could drive the country backwards. He said Ghana needed peace because without that the development the people were yearning for would elude them. The Asantehene commended President Kufuor for the good work he had done for the nation and said at the appropriate time, Asanteman would honour him. In his short address, Nana Akufo-Addo said the blessings of the Asantehene were crucial to his victory in the elections. "I respect Otumfuo and I can never do anything without first receiving his blessing," he said to cheers from the gathering. Nana Akufo-Addo promised that he would continue the unfinished business of President Kufour when he assumed the presidency. He said he and the NPP respected the chieftaincy institution and would do everything to help protect its image when he became President. The NPP flag-bearer promised that the Kejetia interchange and the upgrading of the Kumasi airport to international standard, which are on the drawing board, would be undertaken under his administration. Source: Daily Graphic