Opinions of Thursday, 23 April 2015

Columnist: Boateng, Michael

2016....Rebirth or death of CPP?

The CPP, arguably the greatest political party in African history is seriously faced with the most important question every eagle must answer in a lifetime. This gargantuan yet simple question is 'Rebirth or death for CPP in 2016'?. After 32 years of outlaw, CPP regained its legal status in 1998. The party managed to virtually rid itself of capitalists and liberal democratic elements who infiltrated its ranks. Freddy Blay is today the vice chair of blue capitalist NPP. Nduom is the founder of PPP, a party which seeks to occupy CPP space from without, after unsuccessful occupation from within. The last major challenge, perhaps is the issue of CPP's monumental assets seized since 1966!

Among relatively temporal but critical pending challenges are the Sakara disgraced campaign of 2012 and the sinking image of CPP under chairperson Samia, daughter of the founder. Insiders say Samia is not chairing the party but running a flagbearer campaign from day one as party chair. This is what has crippled the CPP into two major poles. The salvation of the party currently, validly but arguably rests on the strong smart shoulders of 'The Truth Demon', General Secretary Ivor Greenstreet, who has been indisputably neutral in the factionalism battle.

Of great interest amid the baggage of Samia and Sakara is the relatively young but articulate and dynamic generation. These include Kwadwo Afari yeboah, Yaw Nkunim, Anita Abaidoo, Kosi Dedey, Ernest Afram, and many other hopeful comrades. Kwadwo Afari Yeboah is a prodigal son from Peoples National Convention, PNC. though very hardworking and would have been a fine national officer, Yeboah may be constitutionally challenged by the membership period required for eligibility to contest national office. He may have to settle for an appointed position should such opportunity come his way.

Yaw Nkunim is a natural leader. A positive vibrator of attraction, Nkunim is a former parliamentary candidate for Manhyia who gave Napo, Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh a wild run for his money. A winsome bet and bank of ideas, Yaw Nkunim is unassuming but definitely worth great attention. Nkunim is a sculptor, writer and concept developer. Kosi Dedey's striking attribute is integrity. An ardent advocate for strong structures, systems and due process, Dedey is a former parliamentary candidate for Ho Central. CPP needs a lot of Dedey's brand in its national executive, particularly at this crucial crossroads for the independence party. Ernest Afram is a former parliamentary candidate for Sowutuom. He is a good communicator, CPP loyalist and a good organiser.

Anita Abaidoo is a former candidate for Okaikoi South. With good human relations and very thoughtful, Anita has a great appeal. She is very popular at Kaneshie, particularly around the market. She is naturally cut with organisational skills. She is a huge potential untapped for the immense benefits of CPP. Anita must yield to the numerous calls on her to contest the national women's organiser position. James Bomfeh is a former candidate for Kintampo North. Though very articulate, comrades are uncomfortable with his strong NPP leanings. Another great gem of CPP is Appiah Kwame, chairman of national organisation committee, NOC. A very loyal comrade, Appiah is very well spoken and a veritable working machine.

Perhaps, CPP's death will happen with the old wine skins, or its rebirth will be hinged on the party's new direction with the new wine skin. Whichever way it unfolds, CPP holds its own destiny at the eagle crossroads of death or rebirth. The phoenix CPP must rise from the ashes. Ghana and Africa will be the greater beneficiaries of a stealthily flying CPP. We all owe a prayer for CPP, the independence party. Long Live CPP! Long Live Ghana!! Long Live Africa!!!