Chasing Dr. Arthur Kennedy Into The ‘Bush’

It is most assuredly true that it is during a difficult moment that you can tell the true character of a person. There is no disputing the fact that the NPP went through a turbulent period after the 2008 election. Those were moments when lives were lost primarily because the happenings in the NPP gave some supporters and sympathizers induced ‘high blood pressure’.

Sadly, the second stolen verdict of the 2012 election did make matters worse. It was clear that there were malfeasances in the 2012 election (now we know why Ghanaians have to change the NDC’s name to “we are leading”, we are in a comfortable lead”, “we are slightly ahead”). All this was done with the intent to manipulate the computer figures, but the Heavenly Angels might have told the NDC; “stop your stealing” and concede defeat.

So, back to 2012 episode when the Supreme Court regrettably gave the verdict against the NPP, anguish and sorrow were everywhere. The court decision was like a kid who knew very well that his legitimate ‘ball’ had been taken away from him and wrongly given to another kid. Indeed, it was a moment when the NPP needed psychological assistance; a period when psychological strategists should have consoled the rank and file of the NPP family, it was a time when those claiming to be leaders in the NPP to have come on the side of the NPP foot soldiers to help soothe their cries. But, no it was a time when the likes of Arthur Kennedy, and his cohorts Paul Afoko, Nyaho Tamakloe, Nana Ohene Ntow, Baah Achamfour and others persistently and continuously launched an unprecedented ‘salvo’ ostensibly causing disunity in the NPP.

Tellingly, one individual who used his communication skills to cause despondency in the minds of all true NPPist is Dr. Arthur Kennedy. I have attended a few seminars with Dr. Arthur Kennedy during the 2008 campaign and was extremely impressed about his communication mastery. Indeed, he gave every impression of a Western educated person, who the youth need as a role model. But, in the difficult moment when Arthur K was needed to use his communication skills to project the NPP in a positive manner, he woefully failed. His actions after his book titled, “Chasing The Elephant Into The Bush” gave some of us a cause for concern.

Regrettably, Arthur K and his cohorts forgot that effective leaders don’t talk ‘too much’. So, when these personalities were all over the media viciously attacking H.E. Nana Addo, not only were they attacking then presidential candidate Nana Addo, but equally all those who overwhelmingly voted for Nana Addo at the NPP congress. Of course, I have no reason to believe that Dr. Arthur Kennedy was among those who were bribed by the NDC, but his actions were deeply worrying. Even, Alhaji Inusah, with all his defection pageantry from the NPP as a campaign manager to then presidential candidate John Kufuor, did not go media berserk. Alhaji Inusah was not academically astute as some of these personalities were, but he was intelligent enough not to say much apart from his famous saying, “in the NPP everyone is an adult” (I’m sure I did understand his twi).

There was no intention to write this article especially in this fresh start of the year, but for the media spin that suspended NPP National Chairman Paul Afoko was giving last week. He was almost everywhere; granting interviews and issuing press statements all with the subtle attempt to win his way back to the NPP.

Sometimes, some of these personalities think we have a short memory, thus as adults we have ‘kindergarten’ knowledge. If that is their thinking, they are wrong. Indeed, it is incomprehensible when people you expect to know better behave as if they were kids. If I were them, the best is to show public remorse and apologize to the rank and file of the NPP family. Of course, the president-elect Nana Addo, admonished members during the NPP recent ‘Thanksgiving’ Service to forgive. Perhaps, if there is anyone who deserve forgiveness then it’s Kwebena Agyapong.

As for Arthur Kennedy, Nyaho Tamakloe and others, the best place for them is to remain in the ‘bush’ and maybe Nana Addo’s presidency will send ‘light’ to them while they are there. In the future, a lesson will be leant; you may not like an individual as a party’s flag bearer, but decency and common sense demand that you respect the choice of the majority of the NPP delegates. ~HAPPY NEW YEAR ARTHUR K & CO. ~

Martin Kwaning
Former TESCON President
USA, Texas
[email protected]