The President's Press Secretary Mr. Kwabena Agyepong has denied reports suggesting that the Government of the Republic of Ghana has concluded agreements with the U.S. Government to establish a military base in Ghana.

He said there has not been any arrangement to that effect and there has not been any consideration along those lines receiving the attention of the government.

Mr. Agyepong said President Kufuor has put together a very proactive foreign policy which includes having good bilateral relations with the US, "which was symbolized by the recent visit to the country by US First Lady Laura Bush".

He said a suggestion that Ghana could become a terrorist target just because of its warm relationship with the U.S "is disingenuous and unfortunate" and should be discontinued. He appealed to those behind the false reports to cease doing so "in the interest of our nation".

On the nation's preparedness towards the celebration of its 49th Independence Anniversary on Monday, March 6, Mr. Agyepong said much effort has been expended to make the event a successful one. He said President Kufuor considers the day as the most important one on the national calendar and requests Ghanaians to renew their faith in Ghana and rededicate themselves to its motto of "Freedom and Justice".

He said goodwill messages from heads of state and governments and development partners worldwide have started "flooding in" and the President welcomes these global compliments as a testimony to Ghana's growing international posture.

The Presidential Press Secretary announced that the President would meet today with members of the Presidential Commission on Pensions. He said President Kufuor is very interested in exploring alternative measures to secure and guarantee the lives of hardworking Ghanaians on pension.

He said measures like the Small Business Assistance Program, Venture Capital Fund and the Low-cost Housing Project and others including the National Health Insurance Scheme are all tailored to economically empower the individual during active working life and at retirement.

Mr. Agyepong said the NPP government will continue to work towards a realistic pay structure for Ghanaians. He cited the recent upward adjustment in the minimum wage "from ¢2,900 in the year 2000 to ¢16,000 just in a period of 5 years" as a determination to ensure a better life for all Ghanaians.