Time For NPP To Honour Akufo-Addo

MUCH AS we all cherish the on -going democratic process of electing the flagbearership of this great party, we must as a party which is seasoned, acknowledge the fact that even in the most advanced democracies - Western or Eastern type - leaders could be groomed over the years in the informal way and eventually outdoored in the official capacity.

Democratic Process
For instance, when Labour Party in Britain was searching for a militant leader some eight years ago, because the party had gone down for not winning elections, then Gordon Banks was persuaded to step down for the more militant outspoken Tony Blair – the result was positive as labour under Blair chalked three successive victories in general elections but along the political process, Blair became unpopular and hard to step- down.

The search for a new leadership started, leading contenders were asked to step-aside, and in a one touch manner, the Labour congress overwhelmingly endorsed the former Chancellor of Exchequer - Gordon Brown as the new party leader and the de facto Prime Minister of Britain.

This took place about three months ago in Britain-mother of democracy.

Even though those would be contestants had the potential to fill the premiership vacuum, yet, Brown has been groomed unofficially for the job behind the curtains.

This was not a Swedru type declaration but a full congress decision.

This is not to say our process is not good, it is quite alright, but my position is that the Council of Party Elders should read the political climate, listen to the voiceless supporters on the ground and supervise over the choice of leadership capable of beating archrivals, the NDC in the finals of a match which is two- two draw.

Commitment and Experience
Like some of his colleagues, Nana has exhibited selfless and dedicated services to the New Patriotic Party both in opposition and in governance and the good people of Ghana.

The general secretaryship of Nana under the People's Movement for Freedom and Justice, directing and funding eventually led to the toppling of the Acheampong Junta and dictatorship which was hanging over the people of Ghana.

Nana having helped to end military dictatorship, went to court on several times to defend the constitution in pursuit of civil liberties and political persecutions.

Again, Nana was at the Forefront of Alliance For Change (AFC), a movement which sought to change the ¬political pendulum in favour of democratization of state structures and institutions, and bring to order, an inept regime operating under false democratic structures.

His commitment to civil rights, constitutional order and political freedom- multiparty system cost him his Ringway Hotel - Under heavy bombing and ultimately its closure.

How many politicians of our time would be prepared to sacrifice personal and legitimate properties for the sake of freedom of his/her countrymen?

Track Record
When we talk about track records of politicians, we shouldn't forget their various backgrounds. The political track record of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is clear and unambiguous. Born to a UP family, nurtured gradually by an elite father (later to become President in the 2nd Republic) and ultimately, groomed into the UGCC/UP/PP/PFP/NPP and what have you?

In short, Nana is a mainstream “Thatcherite” as Britain's conservative Party would put it.

His allegiance to the Party is unquestionable, his love for the Party is elastic, Nana has never defected and come back and therefore his flagbearership of the party would be the most appropriate.

Nana's political stewardship which spans a little over three decades (30 years), is sufficient and adequate enough and put him in a better posture to lead the party and capture the Castle for his party and the good people of Ghana.

Needless to mention that Nana's bilingual's posture adds political value to his political virtues Appeal

My humble appeal to the New Patriotic party delegates to the forthcoming national delegates' conference slated for 22nd December, 2007, is that they should honour Nana Akufo-Addo by voting for him en-masse as they did to Mr. Peter Mac-Manu - current chairman - in the recent past.