GHANA NEEDS AN INTERNATIONAL MAN AS PRESIDENT

After the IEA encounter amongst the various Presidential Candidates held recently at Tamale ,a foreign observer was asked about his impression about the Candidates and replied “The ruling party's presidential nominee [Nana Akufo Addo] looks more like an international president than the other candidates, that guy[Nana Akufo Addo] is eloquent, very ambitious and seemed ready for the job''. Truly speaking Nana Akufo Addo's submission that Ghana will play an active role in the affairs of world politics and also serving as a beacon of hope for Africans emancipation agenda clearly shows how this seasoned politician understands the globalisation theology.

The end of the 1st & 2nd World War and the demise of the Cold War have brought unto the table a new dimension of world politics. There was no better time to illustrate how various countries have realised the need for international friends and cooperation than the aftermath of 11 September 2001(ie, 9/11). The events of September 11 took place in another country, United States, but shapely realised throughout the world. Again the controversial attack on lraq and the war in Afghanistan have convinced people how globalise the world is. This article is not meant to argue comprehensively about the import of globalisation but to argue how Ghana stands to benefit by electing a President who perfectly understands the globalisation theology.

Regardless of some negative effects of globalisation on developing countries; a well-managed strategy can bring huge benefits to those countries. In pursuant of this agenda demands that Ghanaians elect a personality who can lead such a crusade in taking full advantage of globalisation. Seriously speaking, the obersavation made by this foreign observer at the IEA gathering at Tamale and Nana Akufo Addo's comments about the need for interconnectivity among the rest of the world have convinced many people that the NPP presidential maestro perfectly fit the 'time'. His persona and partnership with another international genius –Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia perfectly match the team that this country needs from 2009.

Though Ghana is a sovereign state, she surely needs the co-operation from other countries both in the sub-region and the rest of the world to propel us in the realisation of our collective dreams. The era where presidents sit down in the comfort of their presidential abode and embark on socialist's crusade is longed gone. This country greatly needs a President whose voice will be heard and admired among the international community. The excellent relationship His Excellency President Kufour has strike with other respectable international Presidents, demands that we get an equally bilingual president who can deepen such an extraordinary relationship rather than a socialist's believer who will destroy all the gains made so far.

Ghana has enormous challenges and can only minimise some of the difficulties with a clear co-operation and partnership with other countries. Significantly, the NPP presidential maestro is certainly an international brand. The sheer number of world leaders expressing delight in Nana Akufo Addo's BIG-Believe In Ghana-philosophy is the clearest indication how this seasoned and international politician is received around the globe who believe that Ghana under the NPP flag bearer will surely take this country on a high pedestal that will be a model for other states.

Ghana's products have to get a good deal and have a place on the international market, this crucially demand that you get a president who understands international language, diplomacy and respect to convince other Heads of States and the business community about the capability and potential of Ghana. Undoubtedly, Nana Akufo Addo's fluency in the French language will be a huge advantage for this country in every bilateral negotiation with France and Francophone countries.

Many local and international experts have predicted that both developed, emerging economies and developing countries will continue to face economic crunch in the years ahead ,this urgently needed the political experience of Nana Akufo Addo and the economic 'macho' of Dr. Bawumia to help engineered mechanisms that will help the country withstand any economic pressure from 2009 and beyond.

Let's be truthful, there is no way the international experience gained by Nana Akufo Addo can be matched by that of Prof. Atta Mills. Equally, there is no way the Christian born John Mahama-NDC running-mate experience can be compared to the flamboyant economic experience of the Muslim born Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia.-NPP running-mate.

Again, I am overjoyed (as many do) on how Nana Akufo Addo is actually energising the youth and the adult alike and there is a seemingly believe that an indigenous freedom and human rights crusader has emerge on the political scene. The enthusiasm that people currently have in political issues was as a result of Nana Akufo Addo's charming voice and persona. The plain truth is, God has prepared and reformed the NPP flag bearer to man the affairs of this country to meet the demands of globalisation and aspirations of her citizens.

Ghanaians should never down play our international reputation in choosing a president whose appearance on the world stage will meet 'empty seats'. Ghanaians both home and abroad have to confidently be proud of their president both in speech, personality, dignity and influence when he appears on the world stage, Nana Akufo Addo clearly overshadows all. Regardless of all the cynicism and paranoia the opposition NDC may have about Nana Akufo Addo, he is really the man for the moment! I will not mince words; Nana Akufo Addo is more presidential and this is his time, period!

In the manner that Mr. Nelson Mandela international reputation has deepen the respect the international community have for South Africa, similarly Nana Akufo Addo presidency will shake world politics. We are moving forward with the globalised world. Nana Addo is indeed a winner. Catch him if you can but don't destroy him!!!!!