Feature “Srᴐtoi yƐmliƞ” Who qualify to lead NPP into Election 2012?

Nana Akufo-Addo (right) in a handshake with ex-president Kufuor

In the next couple of months, August 7, 2010 to be precise, NPP delegates will once again go the polls to elect their flag bearer. Activities leading to this historic event continue to cast doubts on the unity and cohesiveness within the NPP. Many well meaning sympathizers of NPP have expressed worry on the perceived or real divisions in the party. But when all the dust is settled, one of the five (5) aspirants will emerge as the leader. But like every competition there are differences hence “Srᴐtoi yƐmliƞ” a Ga statement which literally means differences exists in every aspect of life.

This article will explain why Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo remains the best person among the five aspirants qualified to lead NPP into Election 2012 victory. The writer intends to provide insight into the leadership qualities rather than the legal basis for a person's qualification to lead the NPP. The contention here is that all five aspirants meet the constitutional requirements at the party and national constitutional levels.

In the Constitution 1992, article 62 states: A person shall not be qualified for election as the President of Ghana unless - (a) he is a citizen of Ghana by birth; (b) he has attained the age of forty years; and (c) he is a person who is otherwise qualified to be elected a Member of Parliament, except that the disqualifications set out in paragraphs (c), (d), and (e) of clause (2) of article 94 of this Constitution shall not be removed, in respect of any such person, by a presidential pardon or by the lapse of time as provided for in clause (5) of that article.

The competencies of the vetting committee of the NPP Electoral College chaired by Mr. Odoi Shykes are not in question. The vetting committee is made up of seasoned members of the party who continue to render invaluable services towards the achievement of NPP's aspirations. However, after scaling the vetting the utmost significance is an assessment of the leadership credentials of the great man of the party who have availed himself to be given the mandate to by delegates on 7th August, 2010 to lead NPP into election 2012 victory.

Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo has shown that when given the mandate by the NPP delegates, he has all it takes to recapture political power from the NDC come Election 2012. Any objective political observer will appreciate the heart beat of Ghana and the NPP's best choice is Nana Addo. The Ghanaian is yeaning for a leader couched in a personality such as Nana Addo to bring a sense of urgency in the socio-economic development of our great nation. Nana is a man with lots of experiences. As a human right advocate, a season lawyer whose impact on the legal profession is demonstrable without question. As a businessman Nana exhibited passion for success and consistently brought into the country, organizations that contributed greatly to our national development. Nana is visionary and fighter of rule of law.

After serving mother Ghana as a cabinet minister, Nana Addo's credibility is intact with highest level of integrity. Nana is uncompromisingly incorruptible. The NPP delegates once again have the opportunity to prove to Ghanaian and the world that hard work has results and that consistency is a hallmark of a great leader. The NPP delegate must show that circumstances do not make a man: it reveals him to himself. Delegates must show that our lives are defined not by the challenges we encounter, but by how we respond to those challenges. Nana Addo has excelled in very challenge that came his way. He has been consistent throughout his political life.

The track record of Nana Addo shows a great personality who has faced so many challenges in political life. Since the military days of the General Acheapong's regime, through Ft. Lt Rawlings' AFRC and PNDC era, Nana Akufo Addo has been relentless in fighting social injustice, corruption and promoting rule of law and democracy. He has been the best human right advocate Ghana has ever produced. If there are persons whose efforts propelled the promulgation of the 19992, Nana Addo's name will be among the first. He has spent his entire life promoting the tenets of democracy. He has gained lots of experiences in all aspects of governance. Nana Addo has served judiciously in all the three arms of government. He has also paid his dues in the media landscape having been a publisher of the Statesman for so many years.

In the Executive arm of government, Nana Akufo Addo served as cabinet minister under former President Kuffour. Nana Addo held the portfolio of Minister of Justice and Attorney General. Nana was made the nation's Foreign Minister. In both cabinet positions Nana Addo's sense of commitment, loyalty, diligence to duty, competence and finesse was applauded by all. As an Attorney General, Nana Addo ensured the expunging of the obnoxious criminal libel law from our statute books.

His tenure as the Foreign Minister saw Ghana's international relations at its zenith. Nana was once made the President of the UN General Assembly and Chaired many functions and meetings in that capacity. His fluency in French and English, his confidence and charisma couple with his attention to detail ensured that image of Ghana reached its pinnacle in the international community of nations. His loyalty to President Kuffour was legendary. Readers will recall that Nana Addo contested Former President Kuffour in 1997 and lost narrowly to the victor (Kuffour). Nana Addo never abandoned the ship though there were perceived and/or real “persecution” of his supporters. He stayed on and together fought the NDC 1 government. Nana's contributions to the NPP's victory in election 2000 were admirable. He is a man who believes in consistency and tenacity of purpose.
As a legislator, Nana Addo was a leading member of the opposition. Although NPP boycotted the 1992 parliamentary election, Nana was a spoke person of Alliance for Change, a pressure group which kept the first term of NDC 1 government in check. Electoral reforms began during those days. Nana Addo won the Abuakwa Constituency seat on the ticket of NPP and was in Parliament in 1997. He was a ranking member of parliament between 1997 and 2008; having served a three four year mandate and making valuable contributions on the floor of Parliament, Nana's influence on parliamentary democracy is highly commendable.

The history of the judiciary will always have seasoned lawyers such as Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo featuring prominently. Many high profile and monumental judicial cases has this legal luminary being at the center of defense. As a solicitor, Nana Akufo Addo has provided a training platform for many Ghanaian lawyers in this country. The Akufo Addo Prempeh & Co's offices continue to be the breeding grounds for many renowned barristers today. Nana Akufo Addo's influence continues to be appreciated even long after he stopped active legal practice.
The NPP party was established in 1991 after the ban on party activities was lifted by the PNDC regime. During these turbulent times only few voices could be heard. Most Ghanaian had been cocooned with fear and anxiety. Issues about what made a political party and kept it vibrant was left in the hands of few people. Resources such as finance, material, time and energy were expended by the trail blazers to keep the NPP going. Nana Addo has always been there through thick and thin to lift the NPP up. His defense for the NPP tradition is unmatched.

The NPP now more than ever needs an outstanding leader, a man who is a respected leader in national and international circles, a member of the party who has followed strictly the party's line at all times. The NPP must select the person who understands and appreciates contributions to the party's growth. The NPP need a man with the necessary political clout. The flag bearer must be confident person whose presence anywhere exudes hope to all Ghanaians.

The cost in maintaining and running a political party is huge. Huge sums of money are always needed to organize congresses, elections at various levels and to campaign. The NPP have relied on the benevolence of the Ghanaian individual contributions, both within its ranks and without. Some Ghanaian corporate institutions and private individuals also send their contributions periodically for the sustenance of the party. The NPP delegates must elect the person who can find the money safely without recourse to party's image.

The NPP is a party that believes in its ideology of the free market economy and private ownership of legally acquired property, freedom of speech and rule of law. This is what attracts people to the fold. A political party is the association of people of like minds. The NPP needs a leader who can fight to preserve the ideological and institutional structures of the party. The flag bearer must therefore be the leader who keeps faith in the party even in the face of real or perceived persecutions. A person who is forward looking and has vision. One who progressively pursue party and national interests relentlessly and with a passion.

The party needs someone who will fight to conserve the dignity of the party either alone or in concert with others. The leader must be a real germ with ability to making the party followers confident. The leader must be bold, principled and defender of party struggles devoid of fear or favor of contradictions. He must also be consistent and not wavering in his thoughts, actions and attitude.
The allegiance of the flag bearer to the fortunes of the NPP must at no time be called into question. The leader must be able to take a lot of bashing from all quarters yet hold on to the party. In politics all kinds of people infiltrate, some peddle untruth and make unreasonable statements and demands unceasingly. A leader must have the ability to be up and above that level, move on and survive.
The need to help build trust is highly important. Our leader must be a great communicator. He must be able to defend himself and his image. In an environment where the media is the fourth estate of the realm, the NPP flag bearer must not be media shy, must be smart and capable of thinking on his feet. The leader must not be bereft of ideas or scared to be found wanting. An NPP flag bearer must be able to speak confidently and make his vision clear, concise and appreciative of Ghanaians.

The leader must have demonstrable personal achievements, must have had the requisite educational and professional credentials. He must be highly incorruptible, but credible and trustworthy and he must be someone who eschews mediocrity.

Long before the promulgation of the 1992 constitution, the political landscape in Ghana was braced by a number of persons who even at the peril of their life stood steadfastly in pushing for democracy. Since there was a ban on political party activities by the PNDC regime, these people formed the Alliance for Change (AFC). The first term of the 4th Republic saw the AFC undertaking activities that helped in the deepening of democracy in Ghana. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo was the spokesman for this group.

The NPP has reached a crossed road. There is the need to present a strong presidential candidate to the people of Ghana. Nana Addo is humble man but very firm in his belief, a strong and self-confident person. He has been given a clean bill of health by the Mills' administration. Corruption under his watch is a no go area. Even his adversaries agree that no corrupt practices will be tolerated under his watch as president.

Nana Addo popularity transcends the entire socio-political spectrum of Ghana. He has gained remarkable admirations from the rank and file of the party, the ordinary people of Ghana, the academia, professional bodies and traditional rulers. Nana Addo has always lived above reproach and at this point of in the party's history, the NPP delegates must see in Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo the best person who qualifies to lead the NPP into election 2012 victory.

Author: Fred Amankwah-Sarfo
Email: Accra