Osafo-Maafo Storms US

YAW Osafo-Maafo, a leading New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirant, has taken his campaign to the United States (US) where he met a cross section of Ghanaian professionals in New Jersey.

In line with his desire of transforming Ghana into a knowledge-based economy and service centre of West Africa, the former Minister of Finance and Economic Planning outlined his vision for the country.

At a well attended forum, the MP for Akim-Oda indicated that after being in power for almost seven years, the NPP government had come to be noted for high standards in political governance and proven performance in sound economic management.

He observed that from the inauguration of the Kufuor administration in 2001, the ability of the NPP to salvage the deteriorating Ghanaian economy was put to test.

“This was a test which was passed by the government as it succeeded in drastically stabilizing and improving the economy,” he said.

Moreover, in accordance with the NPP's motto of 'Development In Freedom', the presidential aspirant noted that government had succeeded in ensuring that all citizens and non-citizens living in the country enjoyed all the fundamental freedoms and rights guaranteed under the constitution, including the freedom of the press.

He further indicated that the remarkable successes chalked by the NPP in these few years, had given Ghanaians the hope that the country was on the right path of being an economic giant in West Africa.

Hon. Osafo-Maafo pointed out that it was absolutely necessary for the NPP to retain power in the up-coming general elections and that for the party to sail through such electoral victory, there was the urgent need to stick to issues in this period of electing a flagbearer.

Internal bickering or petty squabbles, he said, would only spell doom for the party.

According to the former Minister, Ghanaians were only interested in a leader and a government which could bring about the change that the people desire.

“This requires a leader with a vision who understands the essence of accelerated and sustainable economic growth and development, and therefore Mr Osafo-Maafo is the man for the top job of presidency,” he declared.

When asked what makes him stand out from among the other NPP presidential aspirants, the former Minster stated that leading a country, the leader must provide direction to a desired vision.

“Ghana does not need only a politician at this stage when we need to rethink our economic agenda. What the country needs is a political leader who is result-oriented; a leader who has a proven track record of inspiring his team to deliver expected results; and a leader who will not just be a political figure but also a technocrat to drive the national wheel.

“Indeed, some have argued that being successful at one or two ministries does not necessarily give one the upper hand in managing the affairs of this country.”

However, he pointed out that “not being able to handle the affairs of a single ministry and having the quest to lead the country is unthinkable.

“What the country needs at this point is a leader and a manager, and Hon Osafo-Maafo is the man for the job.”