Open Letter to Jerry John Rawlings Former President of Ghana

Your Excellency and former president, Jerry John Rawlings, May I take the liberty of encroaching on your valuable time and that of your staff? Mindful of the critical days the NDC is now passing through, the events that came to pass in our country in the past week have left me very little option, but to address you directly on the matters at hand.

I met you whiles addressing a gathering of fisher folks in Chorkor early July 1979 and whiles addressing the crowd your presentation were punctured with these touching chants, J.J DO SOMETHING BEFORE YOU DIE, that moment now hangs on my mind because of all the possibilities it represents and once again that possibility is now. Sir, I admire the passion you have for the truth and Ghana's development and prosperity.

I am certain that you are painfully aware that the death of our President Prof John Evans Atta –Mills did not only sent shockwaves through the nation, but pointed out to those who care that , you are a bold and courageous leader who spoke nothing but the truth.

You handed over to the Professor a vibrant and united NDC, yet at the twilight of His Presidency, his cherry-picks betray everything that the NDC stood for and struggled for, in a moment of intoxication with power, they forgot your wise counsel and allowed the glorious movement to stumble on the edge of an abyss.

It is a sad day in our nation that one has to allude that the NDC's legacy, at its pinnacle, has only brought us shame and disgrace, overshadowing what would have otherwise been a commendable political Party. It is not my place to pass judgement, but am convinced that history will judge you as the victor for what you have come to represent.

What happened to the values of the NDC, which at some point embodied and taught others? What happened to the ethos of Discipline, Unity and Respect that existed within the NDC? What happened to the pursuit of the founding ideals of the NDC, which the giants of our revolution stood for and many others personified?

While the party may take collective responsibility for the actions of our government as a ruling party, however, my heart bleeds that the relationship of trust the NDC conferred on the Prof was broken. The mantra of the NDC, “PROBITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY” was betrayed in the most vulgar way possible by a few greedy persons who acted like sheep's but in wolf clothing's.

Your Excellency and former President Jerry John Rawlings, I wish to point out that, I need no other argument, I need no other plea, unto whom much is given, much is expected and it is for this reason that I leave you with the chants of yester years, J.J DO SOMETHING BEFORE YOU DIE, J.J DO SOMETHING BEFORE YOU DIE, J.J quench the evil flame around the NDC.

Yours Truly,
Proud Ghanaian George Mensah ([email protected])