Nana Addo Dankwah Akuffo-Addo Deserves Commendations Worldwide

Alex Bossman Baafi

Let us remember, on December 17, 2010, Mohamed Bouazizi reached the end of his frustration limit. That 26-year-old street vendor in Tunisia found himself in that hopeless situation because he tried in vain to find a better job. He was confronted with corrupt officials demanding bribes in many places he went in his unsuccessful attempts to secure a decent job. On that fateful morning, City Inspectors confiscated Mohamed’s supply of pears, bananas and apples. When they took his scales, he resisted and in the process, a female a Police Officer slapped him.

Feeling frustrated, disappointed, humiliated and shamed, Mohamed went to the nearby Government Office to complain but could not get hearing. According to an eyewitness account, in front of the government building, Mohamed shouted, “How do you expect me to make a living”? After dousing himself with some flammable liquid, he struck a match and died of his burns three weeks later.

This bold but sad end of Mohamed Bouazizi moved many in Tunisia and later beyond. His actions triggered an uprising that toppled the country’s regime and subsequent protests that spread to other Arab countries including Egypt and Libya. The consequences culminated in huge losses of lives and properties among other things, in those countries that experienced those protests.

Just after the chairperson of electoral Commission declared the winner of our country’s 2012 Presidential elections, many supporters of the largest opposition party, the NPP, found themselves in a similar frustrated, dejected and disappointed situation as late Mohamed. The only difference here was that instead setting themselves ablaze, their frustration drove them to the place popularly called ‘Obra Square’ in the capital ready to hit the streets in protests against what they called electoral fraud.

It was in the face of these mass supporters expressing anger and frustration and getting ready for anything, that the presidential candidate of the party, Nana Addo Dankwah Akuffo-Addo intervened. As a seasoned and matured politician, a political heavy weight, a political leader, a man full of compassion for the ordinary people of our country, he put his undying love for peace for the country at work. Nana Addo has demonstrated on many occasions that he is a man of piece and always put our country first. As a political leader, he shouldered the responsibility of calming down boiling tempers of his followers. He took control as a leader and impressed upon his people the need not to disturb the peace of the country irrespective of their frustrations. He convinced and assured that he will lead the pursuit of the electoral petition through the Supreme Court as enshrine in our constitution.

True to his word, Nana Addo led by example throughout the petition hearing by the Supreme Court. He maintained his composure and calm. When the verdict was delivered in favour of President John Mahama, though disappointed, he quickly graciously conceded defeat, congratulated President Mahama and admonished his followers alike to accept the verdict of the Supreme Court, maintain the peace and contribute in support of the development process of our country.

In my candid opinion, Nana Addo has done his outstanding effort. He has paid his dues. He has work hard to contribute to the peaceful political climate of our country today. He really has been part of the struggle for our constitutional democratic journey we are travelling advocating for a free society with equal opportunities for all. Many political scientists, analysts and observers do share the view that he deserves commendation and not condemnations.

It is rather unfortunate that as well-meaning people of our country including the President continue to preach peace and unity to ensure the development of our country, certain power-drunk politicians and opinion leaders are hiding behind the victory of the Supreme Court verdict to throw unwholesome tantrums on their political opponents. Most political and opinion leaders who should know better rather fall victim of this unfortunate circumstance of our political history. For example, the General Secretary of the ruling political party, Johnson Asiedu-Nketiah, decided just a day after the verdict to mount certain radio stations to launch a scathing attack on Nana Addo, condemning every move he has made before during and after the verdict of the election petition. For me, such character assassination of a leading figure on the other side of the political divide would not promote peace and unity, more also not at this time of our political history. It is unacceptable. Never again should we allow politicians of such characters to continue to sow seed of disunity to bring shame and disappointment to our people.

The late emperor Haile Selassie observed that throughout history, it has been inaction of those who should have acted, the indifference of those who should have known better, and the silence of the voice of justice that have made evil to triumph. Nana Addo has passed the test with distinction in this regard.

Nana Addo Dankwah Akuffo-Addo is a man of peace. He loves his country. He cares for the poor and ordinary people. He has a big heart and resilient attitude. He is a living political legend who is leading life worthy of emulation on the political landscape of our country, Africa and the world as a whole. No amount of witchery or character assassinations can tarnish his enviable reputation. He deserves commendations.

Email: abkbossman@yahoo.co.uk