NPP Chairman Impregnates Wife's Niece ?

Chronice Editorial: Ghana needs disciplined leaders

It is a widely held opinion among Ghanaians that politicians never learn their lessons, and that if they did, they would never repeat the mistakes that brought their opponents and predecessors on their knees.

The story of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairman, Haruna Esseku, impregnating his wife’s niece as reported in the “Independent” of yesterday is one example that tends to confirm the assertion that our politicians do not learn.

Granting that the story is true, it will seem to confirm the perception. If the man were to learn from history, he would recall that indiscretions and sexual scandals among ministers and party leaders were the major part of the accusations that ended the popularity of the then ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) between 1992 and the year 2000.

If Mr. Esseku were to be guided by history, he would refrain from threatening journalists who asked him to tell them his side of the story.

From the newspaper report, Mr. Esseku fumed that “If you want to see the real Haruna Esseku, then you can go ahead to publish the rubbish.” That, together with his refusal to answer a questionnaire on the flimsy excuse that it was not put in an envelope, is reminiscent of the arrogance that many of the NDC top notches acquired while basking in power and glory.

But everybody in this country now knows how dearly they paid for their airs. Just 17 months into the NPP administration, there have been too many disquieting and discouraging reports of a few of our leaders indulging in indiscretions, infidelity, and surprising arrogance.

Let no one tell us that their private lives do not impinge on their output as public officers. At least, let not the NPP tell us that, for when the NDC people resorted to the same excuses these very NPP people, who were then in opposition, tried to debunk them with all the strength they could command.

Leaders must set good examples; leaders must live above reproach and certainly leaders must lead lives better than that led by the ordinary people they rule over.

Ghana’s political history is replete with several examples of leaders - both military and civilian - grabbing wealth, or increasing the number of wives or abandoning the virtues and principles upon which they coasted to power.

But in all cases, the story ends with the leaders falling from grace into ignominy. The rank and file of our political parties should constantly put the searchlight on the leaders they elect or select and use the earliest opportunities to replace those going wayward.

For, if we do have disciplined party leaders, getting good governments and opposition parties will be guaranteed.

To the President, the Chronicle humbly wishes to suggest that in the next reshuffle of appointees, discipline must be the primary yardstick. And we dare add that such a reshuffle is due!