Mr. Kofi Mintah, a leading member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), on Tuesday asked government functionaries not to allow criticism by their opponents to distract them from achieving their objectives. He said "Focus on whatever you have decided to do to improve the living conditions of Ghanaians". Mr. Mintah, who is also chairman of the NDC Central Region disciplinary committee, was speaking at a meeting of the party at Winneba Junction in the Central Region on Tuesday. He urged the functionaries to accept constructive criticism, stressing "Do not discard everything that your opponents say, even though some people use criticism as a ploy to get their opponents to lose focus on what they have planned to do". Mr. Mintah also asked them to study, critically, the party's manifesto to enable them to contribute meaningfully towards its successful implementation. He reminded government officials that they would account for their stewardship in four years time and the renewal of their mandate would depend on satisfactory performance, adding "Posterity will not forgive us if we fail the people". Mr. Mintah cautioned the functionaries not to lord it over the people and reminded them that no position was permanent. He said "Be approachable and let the people feel that you are part of them", and asked them to uphold the party's principles. 29 April 09 Source: GNA