Rawlings Commends Mills

Former President Rawlings has commended President Mills for the positive manner he conveyed his government¹s aspirations at a media encounter last Tuesday to mark the first 100 days of his administration.

In a statement issued in Accra today the former President said Ghanaians needed a manifestation from the presidency that it was in control of affairs and had a grasp of the issues and President Mills did not disappoint.

³The President exhibited an excellent grasp of the issues, gave positive assurances and rightfully positioned his government¹s achievements in the last hundred days and that is very commendable,² Ex-President Rawlings said.

The former President was particularly happy with the assurances by President Mills that he will not tolerate reports of corruption from any of his appointees and expressed satisfaction that Municipal and District Chief Executives had been particularly singled out.

He said: ³Corruption at all levels of society is dangerous but when it is allowed to fester within the grassroots then we have lost the ideals for which we sought political power to lead and direct this country and Professor Mills has my total support in his quest to instil discipline and accountability within his government.²

Former President Rawlings however cautioned President Mills not rest on his oars as there is still a lot to be done and also a lot of problems within his current structure that need to resolved with some sense of urgency.

³It is good to tout achievements such as the appointment of more women and young people into political and leadership positions as per the NDC¹s manifesto promise, the quest to bring justice to the victims of the Northern conflict which led to the death of the Ya Na and Issah Molbilla¹s case, but we should not overlook power play for instance within the communication¹s structure of government which is now becoming a cause of concern.

The former President said contrary to the perceptions by a section of the media that he has been impatient with Professor Mills all he has done has been to ³echo the concerns and frustrations of the ordinary folk who voted us into power.²

³They are justified to be impatient because they had to endure eight years of insensitive leadership that institutionalised corruption, nepotism and arrogance and they dread being told that the government they voted into power has similar attributes.

³It is evident that the country is totally broke because the previous government milked the coffers dry and wanted to continue living like kings afterwards. Professor Mills has now made it clear that he took over a country that is broke and he should not hesitate to expose the rot that he has met.

³The President¹s approach to governance does not necessarily have to be like mine and when I criticise him I do so recognising that. What is paramount is the need to set the records straight so Ghanaians do not judge the NDC wrongly in the future,² former President Rawlings said.

The former President said it was laughable for some people to insinuate that he had intentions to take over power from President Mills because he was unhappy with his approach to governance.

³President Mills served as my Vice-President and after my tenure I endorsed his candidature culminating in his eventual election this year. Ghana¹s democracy has evolved significantly since 1992 and such comments are only ploys by certain opportunists within the NDC and a frustrated NPP who believe vilifying Rawlings will serve their parochial interests. Have these people not learnt their lessons, have they not had enough of me, have they not maligned me enough and achieved nothing?²

Former President Rawlings called on President Mills and his government to put in place effective mechanisms to stem the economic downturn the country current faces. He said aside the global economic recession members of the previous government had repatriated significant amount of funds under bizarre circumstances and bold steps have to be taken to counter the continuing trend.

Former President Rawlings said President Mills¹ intentions to correct the wrongs of the recent past may take some time to unravel but stated it was imperative that he has frequent interactions with the people of Ghana through various forums to give a positive assurance that their concerns are being catered for.

On a final note the former president warned those who had illegally accumulated wealth and are attempting to hide behind the umbrella of business to note that they are being watched. He also cautioned members of the new government who have made it their business to front for such people to note that they shall all be exposed sooner than later.

Signed: Kofi Adams