Rawlings Dwarfs Kufuor -The Lens

What President Kufuor dreads the most occurred yesterday in Ouagadougou the capital of Burkina Faso. He found himself on the same stage with his more illustrious, more charming and more charismatic predecessor, President Jerry Rawlings.

If in the recent past some foreign heads of state aided President Kufuor's insecurity by not inviting President Rawlings anytime he is invited, that appears to be a thing of the past as the echoes of the massive scandals rocking his presidency continues to be heard far and near.

The deafening applause that greeted the announcement and introduction of President Rawlings at the investiture ceremony of President Blaise Compaore confirmed President Kfuuor's worst nightmare yesterday.

In a ceremony that was graced by numerous foreign heads of state and dignitaries, the only other person whose applause came anywhere close to that of President Rawlings is that of the newly elected Liberian President, Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. President Kufuor who was accompanied by foreign minister, Nana Akuffo Addo, Presidential Press Secretary, Kwabena Agyepong and Gabby Nketsia came to the venue after other dignitaries including President Rawlings were already seated.

Many who were present could not help but notice how he quickly drew back his hands after shaking the hand of his illustrious predecessor. The former president, who flew to Ouagadougou on board a special flight courtesy of the Burkinabe government stole the show so much that when after the programme various dignitaries were feverishly taking photos with him, Gabby Nketia who was in Mr. Kufuor's entourage could not help but attempt to take a photo with him amidst broad smiles and gestures to create the false impression that he was on the best of terms with ex--president Rawlings.

Mr. Rawlings who is not known for pretense and hypocrisy, of course thwarted Gabby Nketia's hypocritical attempt.