THE DEFEAT OF “TERRORISM” AT ATIWA

It is all over now! The Electoral Commission of Ghana has officially declared the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) Candidate Kwasi Amankwah- Attah as the winner of the Atiwa by-election. He polled 75% of the words to beat the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Candidate, who had a measly 22 or so percent!

It must be acknowledged that, the journey to the elections was characterized with lots of tension-with the NPP and NDC throwing accusations and counter accusations about. It was even reported in the media that, Macho men were imported into the constituency to terrorize the electorate and to also snatch ballot boxes.

The NPP was able to provide evidence to the effect that, the NDC was out for bedlam in the constituency. Though the constituency is an NPP strong-hold, and there was no way the NDC could win that by-election, they still were determined to win it by all means to boost their collapsed image.

It was reported that, used cloths popularly called “Oburuni Waawu” were transported in huge quantities to the constituency to entice the electorates to vote for the candidate of the NDC.

Developmental projects suddenly sprung up in all parts of the constituency. Tarring of roads started in earnest and electricity poles among other projects commenced all geared toward winning the seat.

The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) was in action in the constituency to distributed relief items to the people who were not confronted with any disaster in the first place!

Barriers, it was reported were erected near the home town of the NPP's candidate to prevent the electorate of that place from voting for their son. Cutlasses and gun shots were at work in the constituency- all geared towards intimidating the NPP supporters from casting their votes for their candidate.

It was even reported that, the National Women Organizer of the NDC and the Deputy Eastern Regional Minister Baba Jamal drove their vehicle into NPP supporters wounding them in the process. It was even reported that, two of the supporters of the NPP had died (This is yet to be confirmed).

In all these occurrences the very desperate NDC was quick to allege that, they were rather under attack. The question to ask is that: “why should it be you under attack yet NPP supporters are reported wounded and even dead?”

What has happened in Atiwa comes with two messages and lessons: firstly, no amount of intimidation and harassment can subdue suffering masses! If the NDC had done their very best to create jobs at Atiwa, and make Atiwa a better place for the people-they would have reciprocated by giving the seat to them. The people showed the NDC that, their new slogan of “ways and Means off killing a cat” do not apply to them.

The second lesson from Atiwa is that; election 2012 will not be an easy work at all! Evidence abounds that, the NDC will use all ways and means to kill a cat, including even killing human beings if need be to kept power. Atiwa is just the tip of the iceberg. The NPP must decide how to counter this terrorism in 2012 immediately!

Ghanaians must see election 2012 to be second independence for Ghana. Like the independence struggle in the 1940s and 50s Ghanaians must be ready to get this Chelsea tea drinkers and “Chinchinga” eaters out of the Jubilee house- The party that only performs very best only on radio and TV stations while the majority of Ghanaians are faced with excruciating suffering every second!

The Ghana Police Service and other security agencies that helped to provide security at Atiwa must be hailed. They must however be told that, they are Ghana Police Service, not NDC police service. They must not sacrifice professionalism for political orders from persons who have no idea how policing works! Atiwa I think has given them a hint about how election 2012 will be. So, do prepare for that in advance.

The Electoral Commission of Ghana must also be commended hugely for doing what it knows best-Conduct of free, fair and transparent elections. Kudos!! To all those who worked in one way or the other to make the election possible in the midst of the terrorism that was at play- God is protecting you and will continue to protect you if only you continue to stand on the side of the truth.

And to Kwasi Amankwah-Attah congratulations! I look forward to seating next to you in the next parliament.

Akilu Sayibu UK
Email: [email protected]