Honorable Haruna Iddrisu’s Eye On The Ball

I write to you with a sense of reflection and wisdom, drawing from the rich tapestry of Ghana’s political history and the experiences of those who have walked the path you now tread. I know you have your eye on the ball, and your ambition to lead the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and, by extension, Ghana, is commendable. However, I urge you to pause and consider the lessons of history, the stories of those who came before you, and the profound truth that leadership, especially at the highest level, is not merely about ambition or strategy—it is about destiny.

The Lessons of History: Those Who Had Their Eye on the Ball Let us take a moment to reflect on the journeys of some of the notable figures in the NDC and Ghanaian politics. Diplomatic Mohammed Mumuni, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, Mr. Spio Gabrah, Dr. Kwesi Botwe, Augustus "Goosie" Obuadum Tanoh, Mr. Kwesi Ahwoi, and Mr. Martin Amidu—all of these individuals were once in positions similar to yours. They had their eyes on the ball, they aspired to lead, and they worked tirelessly to achieve their goals. Yet, for various reasons, they never realized their presidential ambitions. Their stories are not just tales of political struggle but also profound lessons about the role of destiny in leadership.

These individuals were not lacking in talent, vision, or dedication. They were accomplished, respected, and capable. However, their experiences remind us that becoming a presidential candidate—and ultimately, the President of Ghana—is not solely about ambition or strategy. It is a calling, a divine orchestration that transcends human plans and calculations. Their journeys teach us that while it is important to work hard and remain focused, it is equally important to recognize that some things are beyond our control. Destiny plays a pivotal role in shaping the course of our lives and our leadership journeys.

The Calling of Leadership: Destiny Over Ambition Becoming a presidential candidate for the NDC is not just a political ambition; it is a calling. It is a responsibility that requires more than just having your eye on the ball. It demands humility, patience, and an understanding that leadership is not something you can force or rush. Every NDC presidential candidate and President of Ghana who has come before you did not achieve their position by sheer will or ambition alone. They were called by destiny, and they allowed destiny to guide their steps.

Consider the case of President John Dramani Mahama. His rise to the presidency was not the result of a calculated pursuit of power. When he was selected as the running mate to President John Atta Mills, he had already secured a scholarship to pursue his PhD program in the United Kingdom. He did not have his eye on the ball in the way many might assume. Instead, destiny intervened, and he found himself on a path he had not explicitly planned for. His story is a testament to the fact that leadership is not about running faster than your destiny but about allowing your destiny to lead you.

The Danger of Running Faster Than Your Destiny Wanting to run faster than your destiny is not only futile but also dangerously suicidal. It is a path fraught with frustration, disappointment, and potential self-destruction. When we try to force outcomes or rush the process, we risk losing sight of the bigger picture and the lessons we are meant to learn along the way. Leadership, especially at the highest level, requires a deep sense of purpose and alignment with one’s destiny. It is not about chasing power for its own sake but about being prepared to serve when the time is right.

Dear Haruna Iddrisu, you are a man of great capability and vision. Your contributions to the NDC and Ghana are undeniable, and your potential to lead is evident. However, I urge you to let your destiny lead you. Trust in the process, and have faith that when the time is right, your calling will be clear. Do not allow ambition to cloud your judgment or push you into decisions that may not align with your true purpose. Leadership is not a race; it is a journey that requires patience, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to the greater good.

The Role of Patience and Faith Patience and faith are essential virtues for anyone aspiring to lead. They remind us that while we must work diligently and remain focused, we must also surrender to the timing of destiny. The stories of those who came before you—those who had their eyes on the ball but never realized their presidential ambitions—serve as a reminder that leadership is not about forcing outcomes but about being ready when the call comes.

As you sail your political journey, I encourage you to cultivate patience and faith. Trust that your destiny will unfold in its own time and in its own way. Focus on serving the people, building bridges, and contributing to the growth and development of the NDC and Ghana. When the time is right, your destiny will marry you, just as it did for President Mahama and others before him.

Dear Brother, you have your eye on the ball, and that is a good thing. But remember, leadership is not just about ambition or strategy; it is about destiny. Let your destiny lead you. Do not run faster than it, for doing so is dangerously suicidal. Learn from the stories of those who came before you, and trust that when the time is right, your calling will be clear. Until then, continue to serve with humility, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the values of the NDC and the people of Ghana. Your time will come, and when it does, you will be ready.

With respect and admiration,
Sulley Kone

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