President J. A. Kufuor has assured Ghanaians of more happiness by the end of next year's general elections. "By December 8, next year, Ghana will be happy because Ghana would have found a good successor to Kufuor,” he said in a brief speech at a luncheon last Monday at the Castle to mark his 69th birthday which fell on December 8. The luncheon was organised by the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture and attended by Ministers of State, Parliamentarians, family friends and chiefs from across the country. The President said that the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has been democratic since its inception not because of votes but with the belief that development in freedom was the best way to curtail subversionist activities. He said the NPP will continue to uphold the tenets of democracy and ensure that it was entrenched. The newly elected flag bearer of the NPP, Nana Akufo-Addo, noted that the task he has sought for himself to replace President Kufuor was a huge one and called for the support of all. He expressed gratitude to the NPP delegates for electing him as the flag bearer and said "I will do everything on my part not to disappoint the delegates.” The Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Tawia III, wished the President well on the occasion of his birthday and for his miraculous escape from a near fatal accident. Nana Dr S. K. B. Asante, Omanhene of Asokore traditional area, commended the President for solidly laying the economic foundation of the country. He described President Kufuor as " a pillar of democracy in Africa whose credentials will go down in history as one of the greatest exponents of democratic behaviour." Source: Ghanaian Times