Frank Silverson: Judgement Day 07/12/2012

The Gettysburg Address is a speech by U.S. President Abraham Lincoln and one of the most quoted speeches in United States history. It was delivered at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on the afternoon of Thursday, November 19, 1863, during the American Civil War, four and a half months after the Union armies defeated those of the Confederacy at the decisive Battle of Gettysburg.

Abraham Lincoln's carefully crafted address, secondary to other presentations that day, came to be regarded as one of the greatest speeches in American history. In just over two minutes, Lincoln invoked the principles of human equality espoused by the Declaration of Independence and redefined the Civil War as a struggle not merely for the Union, but as "a new birth of freedom" that would bring true equality to all of its citizens, and that would also create a unified nation in which states' rights were no longer dominant. One famous quote made in that address was the proposition that democracy is “government of the people, by the people, for the people”

The Constitution of France (under the present Fifth Republic) states that the principle of the Republic of France is "gouvernement du peuple, par le peuple et pour le peuple" ("government of the people, by the people, and for the people,") a literal translation of Lincoln's words. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gettysburg_Address)

Is this famous phrase something that we are witnessing in Ghana or perhaps there is an indication that we as a nation are on track to achieve this level of democracy? This opinion is what motivates me to make my contribution to the just-ended elections.

Ghanaians voted the National Democratic Congress (NDC) out of government only 8 years ago and ushered in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government. Many people had become so tired of the rule of the NDC government and one wonders whether it was just familiarity breeding contempt or just a case of change sought by the people of Ghana.

At that time it would have been hard to imagine that after 8 years, the NDC party would be back in power. Not many could have foreseen such a thing happening that quickly.

I am made to wonder whether the NDC government was voted back into power just because the people were impressed with their earlier rule or simply because they were a better alternative to what the NPP government offered. Could it also be a case of a plebiscite on Kufuor’s 8 year rule or the rejection of the NPP’s flag bearer?

The happenings in the last few weeks point to the fact that the days of taking the electorate for granted are over, hence we can always look forward to Judgement Day 07/12/2012 should we be disgruntled with the NDC government’s rule.

Mr. President, the choice is yours: deliver on your promises or look forward to Judgement Day with trepidation.

The NDC campaign of change had a semblance to that of Barack Obama’s in the United States. It must be noted though that simply running on the mantra of change without actually delivering is not enough to keep you in power.

By my estimation, the precedent set by the 2 former presidents of serving two terms each may not be repeated in the next 4years if the implementation of the manifesto of the ruling party appears to be a mere façade.

Mr. President, I am tempted to believe that your ascension to this high office, one that you coveted for 8 years in which you made 3 attempts, would bring much benefit to yourself and your cronies. This is very much to be expected as the labourer is worthy of his reward. The extent of your enrichment though is what would raise eye brows.

In Africa, its common knowledge that the quickest way to satisfy ones avarice for wealth is to become a politician. The evidence to corroborate this claim is not far-fetched. It however behoves on the incumbent to pursue the common good of the masses as there is a day of accountability.

The improvement of the lives of people should be your topmost priority, otherwise you would not gain the mandate of the judges, in this case the electorate on Judgement Day 07/12/2012.

The time for you to make your case for another 4 year term is very limited. I am inclined to believe its 3 and not 4 years. Running your office like a despot and not listening to what the people are saying only to throw in sweeteners in the final year would not be enough to save you. You may need counsel in this regard from the NPP.

Contrary to what happens in other African countries where the judges involve a collusive partnership between state apparatus and the ruling party, the situation here in Ghana is somewhat different. In setting the pace for other African countries, we have proved that our fledging democracy at least exhibits signs of aspects of Abraham Lincoln’s famous statement quoted at the beginning of this article. Ghanaians have proved once again that we are Africa’s beacon of hope. We are the judges when it really matters.

Mr. President, I wish you well particularly for God to give you good health and the wisdom to run this country. Please do not forget that Judgement Day 07/12/2012 is not as far as it may appear. In lieu of that, you need to hit the ground running and deliver on your promises if indeed you wish to have another 4-year term.

The elephant may have gone to the bush as it is purported now but if you fail to deliver, then you can expect a fattened elephant to return from the bush with a bang that would crush the umbrella into pieces.

State your case with your works and then the final verdict would be passed on Judgement Day 07/12/2012.

God Bless Our Homeland Ghana.

Credit: Robert Kwaku-Odoi (email: franksilverson@yahoo.co.uk)