Dr. Kwame Addo Kufuor, Minister of Defence and Member of Parliament (MP) for Manhyia has called on Ghanaians to disregard criticisms that his aspirations to succeed his brother, John Agyekum Kufuor as President, would turn the highest office of the country into a dynasty. He appealed to delegates of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to elect a successor of President Kufuor based on the person's competence and effectiveness, to continue from where the President would leave off. Reminding Ghanaians about his achievements, Dr. Addo Kufuor said his track record as the current Defence Minister and MP spoke volumes of his competence and effectiveness, qualities he noted every person having presidential ambition ought to possess. The MP, a leading contender of the NPP presidential slot, made these statements in an interview with Daily Guide during his visit to Kumasi to interact with officers and men of the Ghana Armed Forces recently. Based on reports gathered from the constituencies he had toured so far, he observed it was evident that his chances of winning the presidential bid of the NPP were brighter. "I am leading the pack of NPP presidential contenders in all the regions of the country, including the Ashanti region," he said. According to the Defence Minister, the warm reception accorded him during his visits was a clear indication that Ghanaians had recognised his tireless efforts over the years in ensuring rapid development of the country. He expressed the hope that the NPP delegates nationwide would endorse him as their presidential candidate to lead the party in 2008. Commenting on his vision for the country when elected flagbearer of the NPP and subsequently as President of Ghana, Dr. Kufuor said President Kufuor's vision would as well be his vision. As a minister of state pursuing the vision of the current Government, he explained he had no option but to continue with the same dream, because having a different vision would create inconsistencies in the governance system of the country. He noted he had myriad of policies to ensure the rapid socio-economic development of the country, but said he would come out with his vision for Ghana "at the appropriate time". Source: Daily Guide