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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is alarmed at the increasing spate of corruption in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government. Though governments have come and gone � both civilian and military � the NPP said, �never in the country�s history have we been more ridiculed around the world than today.� In a statement issued on Independence Day, March 6, party Chairman Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey said �for the past six years Ghana has stopped working.� He was therefore not surprised that �Ghana, the once respected nation in the sub-region, the financial hub of West Africa, the Gateway to Africa, is now labelled a �Republic of Corruption.� This, according to him, was because �the unprecedented corruption perpetrated on the good people of Ghana by the Mahama administration has caused harsh economic conditions unrivaled in the country�s 57-year history.� �Fifty-seven years after independence,� the statement said, �the dream of a truly democratic Ghana has dulled more than a little� and that �hope has been replaced by dismay at the cheap pursuit of self-interest that pervades our present political and economic landscape.� In view of this, the NPP Chairman noted that �our resources must be put to good use and not be abused through corrupt practices like we have seen in recent times,� stressing the need for leadership of ideas and pragmatism to lead the way in bringing on board every Ghanaian for the country to succeed. Jake said, �Our nation is at the crossroads, yearning for leadership and bold measures towards a total and progressive transformation process out of our current challenges.� He therefore emphasized the need for Ghana as a country and Ghanaians as a people to �reflect on the past and plan fervently for the future of our people.� �After 57 years of trying, we have had enough of the lip service,� he noted, insisting, �It is time we all put our shoulders to the wheel with budding ideas and innovation to make sure that as a nation we succeed. �Our agricultural produce must reach our markets; we must process our produce to not only feed our people but also for exports.� �As the future beckons,� the NPP Chairman stated, �we must bring freedom and opportunity to the common man, to the peasants and workers of Ghana; to fight and end poverty and ignorance and disease; to build up a prosperous, democratic and progressive nation, and to create social, economic and political institutions which will ensure justice and fullness of life to every man and woman.� The NPP however wished the government and people of Ghana the very best on the occasion of 57 years of independence.