Ghanaians Must Always be Grateful to the NPP

When John F. Kennedy posited that; “We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives", many did not see the significance of his remark at the time. But, looking at the tension that engulfed the 2012 elections and its aftermath, I think it's imperative for every Ghanaian to show his/her gratitude to the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for using the best alternative in resolving the electoral dispute.

In fact, the party has demonstrated to the whole world that it has mother Ghana and Ghanaians at heart. For me, the NPP's action is uncommon to many other political parties in Ghana, Africa, and the world. Because, whilst others, especially our neighbouring countries resort to violence and wars in resolving their electoral disputes, the NPP strongly believes that nothing positive could be achieved through violence or wars. Even in the face of extreme provocation and cheating, the NPP has always used democratic and professional way of managing such a delicate situation.

Seriously, those who have read the political history of Ghana could testify to the unique role the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), our parent party played in achieving our independence. The Danquah-Dombo-Busia tradition comes second to none when it comes to using political patience to bring peace. It is in this light that most of our members even accuse the party's leadership of being too lenient and gentle, something that is wrongly assumed by our opponents as being a great weakness on our part.

The UP tradition was in the political wilderness for over three decades, yet nothing pushed them to use violent means to secure power. The way and manner the NPP lost the 2008 general elections, after chalking such impressive economic record could not even be understood by those on the other side of the political divide. However, the party came back strongly in the 2012 general elections, only for Dr. Afari Gyan and his Electoral Commission to "steal" the ballot for John Mahama and his NDC.

Therefore, whilst others thought Nana Akufo-Addo and his NPP would use violence to remove John Mahama from the presidency, the NPP once again showed to the world that, it is through patience that the intestines of an ant could be seen when dissected. The NPP, unlike the NDC is not only interested in winning political power. As the only visionary party, the NPP is interested in winning power and using it to improve the lives of the suffering masses. That is the pre-occupation of this noble political party.

My dear reader, it is on record that between 2001 and 2009, the NPP under His Excellency, J.A. Kufuor left Ghana a Presidential Palace, Accident Centre, 2 new stadia, 2 renovated ones, many trunk roads and interchanges, model schools, and Presidential Jet. For close to 50 years of independence, no other political party in Ghana struck oil in commercial quantities. Therefore, having introduced pro-poor policies and programmes such as the metro mass transit, national health insurance scheme, free maternal care, national youth employment, mass cocoa spraying, among others, why would the NPP destroy such a solid foundation meant for the economic independence of our dear nation? That, to me, could be diabolical.

For the past 5 years, we have seen how Ghana, which became a toast of most World Leaders, has been a shadow of herself. Through corruption, thievery, political insults, tribalism, violence, and mismanagement, the NDC led by John Mahama has run Ghana down. Having eaten the "flesh on the bone" by his henchmen, the NDC is compounding the economic hardships of Ghanaians by the introduction of many killer taxes. But, this is the same party that promised not to introduce new taxes and also reduce tax rates in their electioneering campaigns.

Fellow citizens, I think you have seen and heard it all, courtesy the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation. Those who cast aspersions against the NPP for daring to go to court have begun to revise their notes.Those who referred to the petitioners as "idiots" but later joined them in court have realised their mistakes. Those who argued that the president of Ghana can never be dragged to court saw how the Ghanaian constitution works. Those who vowed not to accept the verdict, should John Mahama be declared the loser have eaten back their words.

I therefore take this opportunity to say a big thank you for staying tuned in the last 6 months. Your prayers and sufferings would never be in vain. As the popular saying goes; "The thing for you never gets lost". The lies have been exposed; the electoral fraud has been unravelled; and the schemers have been apprehended. We are all awaiting the verdict by our eminent Supreme Court Judges sooner than later. It is my fervent hope that they would be bold enough like the way they jailed two commentators for contempt and grant Ghanaians, our hearts' desires. Ghanaians need improvement in their lives; the youth and graduates need jobs; students need free SHS. We cannot wait any longer.

To Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Mr. Jake Obetsebi Lamptey, and Lawyer Philip Addison, the rank and file of the NPP have nothing to say than to congratulate you for this great achievement. We love you all and pray that the Almighty God protect you in all your endeavours. Indeed, he who laughs last always laughs best.

God bless Ghana! God bless the NPP!! God bless Kufuor!!!

Katakyie Kwame Opoku Agyemang, Asante Bekwai-Asakyiri

(Free SHS Ambassador) Official blog: (www.katakyie.com) katakyienpp@yahoo.co.uk 0202471070 : 0264931361